Following a European Fisheries Fund (EFF) grant from the UK’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO), a south coast seafood promotional organisation has set up a new smart phone app.
The Local Catch app and website allows users of smart phones, tablets and computers to receive alerts telling them where they can buy fresh seafood recently caught in their area. The project, created by South East Seafood, was awarded over £50,000 through the EFF.
The development should boost the price south coast fishermen receive for their catch as well as helping consumers obtain fresh, local produce.
Henriette Reinders, director of South East Seafood, explains: “The launch of Local Catch means a lot for the local fishing community. It will put them in contact with a much wider range of buyers than ever before, creating a better deal for everyone involved.”
“This is a truly unique opportunity and one of the only ways to really be sure you’re getting fresh local fish on the day it’s caught. Residents along on the south coast are the first to trial this exciting scheme. If everyone in the community gets behind Local Catch it could be a real local success story, revolutionising the way we get our fish.”
Local fisherman Roger Ramsden, who fishes off the coast of Hayling Island, said: “I think it’s fantastic news and a really great opportunity for the local fishing community and lovers of fish. There are lots of people who may not previously have known how to get their hands on fresh fish and seafood, so I am really looking forward to letting local people know about what I catch.”
Ms Reinders says that local chefs and restaurants can get involved too.
Local Catch is free to download now from the Android Market and will be launching on Apple’s App Store this month.
