Seafish Reflects on a Year of Progress and Looks Ahead to 2025/26
Seafish has announced significant advancements over the past year in supporting the UK seafood industry, emphasizing the provision of vital resources aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety at sea, and facilitating international trade.
Achieving Milestones in 2024/25
In its reflection on the year 2024/25, Seafish, the public body committed to the UK seafood industry, has outlined numerous accomplishments, including the launch of the Seafood Carbon Emissions Profiling Tool (SCEPT). This innovative platform has attracted over 100 businesses, helping to promote environmental responsibility within the sector.
Another notable initiative is the Seafood for Life campaign, designed to elevate the industry’s reputation. This program allows seafood businesses to share their success stories, highlighting their positive impact on the community and fostering improved public perceptions of seafood.
Seafish has also significantly contributed to the safety and wellbeing of the UK’s fishing community. The Man Overboard training sessions, conducted nationwide, have equipped approximately 6,000 fishermen with essential life-saving skills, reducing risks associated with working at sea.
Reflections and Future Plans
CEO Marcus Coleman expressed pride in the achievements of the past year, stating, “2024/25 has been a year of tremendous progress for Seafish. We’ve launched initiatives and provided training and resources that are making a real difference — from tackling carbon emissions to helping our fishermen stay safe at sea.”
As Seafish embarks on its new annual plan, there is optimism about future collaborations with the seafood industry, focusing on key areas of development.
International Trade and Industry Representation
Throughout a bustling 2024/25, UK seafood was showcased at international trade expos in Barcelona, Japan, and China. A total of 49 businesses participated in pavilions supported by Seafish and government partners, enhancing the visibility of UK seafood on a global scale.
Seafish also facilitated stakeholder-led Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) for key species like Nephrops and king scallops, while promoting local initiatives, exemplified by a campaign for the thornback ray in the north-west of England. Additionally, over 900 operators across fishing, aquaculture, and processing sectors were surveyed to inform data-driven policy and business decisions.
Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2025/26
In its 2025/26 annual plan, Seafish has identified seven priority areas for continued focus:
- Ensuring a Safe and Skilled Workforce:
- Support seafood businesses in addressing labor shortages and enhancing worker welfare and safety through targeted training programs.
- Facilitating and Promoting International Trade:
- Assist UK businesses in navigating changing trade regulations and advise on legislation, particularly with the EU.
- Responding to the Climate Change Emergency:
- Promote sustainable practices and aid the industry in transitioning to net-zero emissions.
- Fisheries Management:
- Collaborate on sustainable fisheries management and engage with stakeholders to improve practices.
- Enabling Supply Chain Resilience:
- Address challenges within the supply chain, particularly in shellfish aquaculture.
- Improving Data, Insight, and Innovation:
- Enhance data collection and research to support sector advancements and better decision-making.
- Championing Industry Reputation:
- Share positive industry stories and counter misinformation through initiatives like Seafood for Life.
For more information about Seafish’s work and to access the annual plan, visit Who we are and what we do | Seafish.
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