Objective One Fisheries Task Force: a brighter future for Cornwall's fishing industry

The Objective One Fisheries Task Force has finalised a strategy, which will provide a brighter future for the regions fishing industry.

The Task Force, with membership ranging across the fishing industry, has identified key projects which will support the Task Force mission statement: “To ensure the long term economic viability and sustainability of the region’s fishing industry and fishing communities.”

The key projects to be undertaken in 2002 are:

1. A fish stock recovery plan to identify the future sustainability of all fish stocks in Cornwall’s fishing grounds, identifying the economic impact of the stocks on Cornwall’s industry and future conservation measures to improve fish stocks;

2. Provide a dedicated training adviser and co-ordinator for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to address skill shortages in the fishing industry and promote fishing as a worthwhile career;

3. To develop a self financing resource centre which can provide up to date information on the fishing fleet; catch levels; fish stocks etc;

4. A socio-economic study of the fishing industry to identify the industries importance to the economy of Cornwall and beyond;

5. Set up a fish quality assurance scheme, Seafood Cornwall, from “sea to plate” so every fish landed into Cornish ports gains its maximum price and meets market requirements;

6. To help provide improved facilities at Newlyn, England’s top port, working with the Newlyn Fish Industry Forum;

7. To recycle fish waste into a product which provides economic benefit to the fishing industry;

8. To identify key projects which link fishing and tourism closer together;

9. Private sector led initiatives on fishing vessels, in ports and from fish merchants to raise the value, quality and sustainability of Cornish landed fish.

Sam Lambourn, Chair of the Fisheries Task Force and Chairman of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation stated, “These projects present the opportunity to really make a difference to all sectors of the fishing industry in Cornwall. We must seize this opportunity and all work together to ensure they come about.”

Mark Greet, Vice-Chair of the Fisheries Task Force and Director of Cornwall based fish processors Falmouth Fishselling Co Ltd stated, “The proposed projects represent ways in which the Cornish Fishing Industry can have an improved and sustainable future.”

Alison Elvey, secretariat to the Fisheries Task Force stated, “This is an exciting time for the fishing industry. It is the first time the fishing industry has sat down together in Cornwall and taken a serous look at its own future. The projects listed above, to be delivered this year, will start the processes of building a brighter future for the fishing industry.”

For further information contact:
Sam Lambourn
Chair of the Fisheries Task Force and Cornish Fish Producers Organisation
Tel: 01736 363023 / 07968 107167