Seafish has announced a major restructuring plan designed to sharpen its focus and secure the organisation’s financial future, following confirmation from the UK Government that long-discussed levy reform will not go ahead.
The public body, which supports the entire UK seafood supply chain, said it will concentrate on a smaller number of core service areas where it can deliver the greatest industry impact. The move comes after an extensive review by Seafish’s Board and Executive Team, and months of consultation with seafood businesses about their priorities.
Under the new plan, Seafish will streamline activity around three central themes:
- Skills & Training – Continuing its long-standing work on safety at sea, fishermen’s qualifications, and essential onshore training for processors and seafood businesses
- Facilitating Trade – Offering regulatory guidance and market access support to help seafood move efficiently across borders
- Future Ready – Supporting responsible sourcing, decarbonisation, environmental improvement, innovation and other emerging challenges facing the sector
These areas will be underpinned by Seafish’s data and insight function, which will continue to deliver economic analysis, fleet and processing reports, and wider evidence used across the industry.
Seafish Chair Mike Sheldon said the refocusing would allow the organisation to remain “a stable, effective and trusted partner” through a challenging period for the sector.
“While the levy decision was not the outcome we had hoped for, we fully respect the context in which it was made,” he said. “Industry made clear through consultation where our support is most needed, and these plans ensure we can continue to deliver that support over the long term.”
Work that falls outside these priorities will be phased out between now and March 2026. This includes services where long-term funding is uncertain or where other organisations may be better placed to lead — notably the Fisheries Management service in its current form, though Seafish aims to retain some in-house science capability.
The restructuring means up to 13 roles may be affected. A formal staff consultation is now underway.
Despite the organisational changes, Seafish emphasised that its commitment to the UK seafood industry “remains unchanged”.
“These decisions have been taken only after thorough review,” Sheldon said. “We recognise the impact on colleagues and are handling the process with the utmost care. What’s most important is ensuring we continue to provide high-quality services, evidence and guidance to support a thriving seafood sector.”
The new focus will shape Seafish’s work over the next five years.
