On Wednesday 9th September, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for fisheries held an event to launch their National Fisheries Action Plan.
Held at Fishmongers Hall, the event was attended by Harry Owen from Western Fish Producers’ Organisation (WFPO), the cooperative that represents Waterdance, its fleet and interests at a government and policy level.
Also in attendance, were parliamentarians, including Stephen Morgan, the Minister for Food, Fisheries and Farming, in addition to members of the APPG’s Expert Panel and the Review Board for the National Fisheries Action Plan, both of which Harry is a member, as well as the wider fishing community.
The Action Plan aims to create a thriving and sustainable UK fishing industry and has been developed by the cross-party group in hopes that the government will implement it as the UK’s first fishing strategy.
The Plan sets out a coherent, long-term strategy for the fishing sector and consists of six strategic goals:
- Increased recognition of fishing’s value and contribution
- Improved understanding and engagement of the fishing industry
- Delivering adaptive, climate-smart fisheries management
- Building a diverse, modern, profitable and sustainable industry
- Supporting resilient, innovative and sustainable businesses
- Sustainable supply chains that deliver nutritious seafood
Reflecting on the launch of the action plan, Harry Owen said: “I am proud to have played a role in the development of the National Fisheries Action Plan and to see it launched at Fishmongers’ Hall. In an increasingly uncertain world, the Plan is particularly timely. It sets out a case our industry has long understood: fishing and seafood are a critical part of the UK’s food security, and food security is national security.”
“Our fleets help feed the nation, sustain coastal communities such as Brixham, and provide resilience at a time when global supply chains can no longer be taken for granted. What the sector needs now is a coherent, long-term strategy, and this Plan gives Government a practical and actionable basis on which to build one. At the WFPO, we look forward to working with ministers and partners across the industry to turn it into action.”
