A new steering and advisory group is being formed to focus on non-quota finfish species around the UK to help ensure their continued sustainable management.
Finfish non-quota species had a landing value of £39.1 million in 2019. Species of interest include lemon sole, turbot, bass, brill, pilchards, red mullet, gurnards and john dory; often high value species, potentially vulnerable but data-poor.
The Finfish Industry Advisory Group (FIAG), with secretariat support provided by Seafish, will develop science-led solutions to ensure the species are managed sustainably.
“Seafish is pleased to be supporting the new Finfish Industry Advisory Group,” said Aoife Martin, director of operations at Seafish.
“The creation of this group is an important step in bringing together members of the industry, government and science community to work together to improve the sustainable management of commercially important finfish fisheries,” she said
The new group will have its inaugural meeting in spring 2022 and areas for discussion are likely to include support of the Fisheries Management Plan development process for finfish non-quota species; ensuring fair access to fishing opportunities; development of scientific research proposals to address data deficiency; the impacts of climate change; spatial squeeze and competition for marine space and implications for the landing obligation if more stocks are placed under greater limitations.
Information about the FIAG including how to register an interest is available on the Seafish website.
