The UK''s maritime environmental consultancy, ABPmer, has been commissioned by the Northern Devon Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) to carry out a study which will help with the future development of the region’s fisheries.
ABPmer’s study will look at the current supply chain for fish landed in Northern Devon and explore new potential markets in order to identify where and to what extent value is added along the supply chain.
Stephen Hull, technical director, ABPmer, said: “As an island nation fishing has always been and will continue to be, vital to food security and to our economy so we are especially delighted to be undertaking this piece of work."
He added: "During November the study team will be contacting fishermen, processors, distributors, hotels, restaurants and other fish retailers in the region to explore ideas. The survey will be used to understand how fish and shellfish are currently sold and to where as well as to answer questions relating to barriers to market and distribution generally.”
The overall aim is to gain a better understand of the supply chain and how to increase the benefits that come from locally caught fish. It will also help Northern Devon FLAG develop the market for fish and identify what barriers stand in the way of achieving this.
