A major new cross-sector partnership aimed at building a sustainable future for the Clyde inshore fishery has been launched today by the Clyde Fisheries Development Project at the Fishing 2005 exhibition in Glasgow.
The partnership, which is part-financed by EU FIFG funding, brings together representatives from World Wildlife Fund Scotland (WWF), the Clyde Fishermen's Association (CFA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Seafish, Northern Ireland Fishermen's Federation (NIFF), Clyde and South West Static Gear Association (CSWSGA), University Marine Biological Station Millport (UMBSM) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
The first of it's kind in the UK, the project aims to facilitate a brighter future for Clyde fisheries by encouraging fishermen, scientists, and organisations concerned with the environment to work together to develop the local fishery in a sustainable way.
Jason Combes, Seafish Clyde Fisheries Development Officer said: "By working together to introduce quality, traceability and sustainability standards, we believe that a strong future can be built for the Clyde inshore fishery.
"The Strategic Framework for Inshore Fisheries in Scotland (SIFAG) published in March 2005 provides a framework for the development of a management strategy that has greater participation from fishermen and other stakeholders. The Clyde Fisheries Development Project will not be directly involved in management, but will provide support in the gathering of information and developing standards that will provide the groundwork any future management plans."
Throughout the course of the project, the Group will undertake a number of key development and research activities. The main objectives of the Group will include:
A review of local fisheries, stocks, capture methods and a review of the environment in which the fisheries are carried out.
Promotion of a set of quality and environmental standards that the industry should work towards;
The development of a programme aimed at improving the sustainability and reward in the supply chain to help with the long-term social and economic prosperity of Clyde fisheries.
Claire Pescod, Marine Policy Officer WWF Scotland said: "This multi-stakeholder project is a blueprint for future fisheries management, placing sustainable stocks at the heart of a thriving industry. It is only by genuinely working together that the Clyde Fisheries Project can ensure a sustainable future for the Clyde fisheries, with the resulting benefits for local communities and marine life."
