Welsh fishing, aquaculture sectors urged to share carbon emissions data
Fishing vessel owners and aquaculture operators across Wales are being asked to contribute data to a new study aimed at supporting the seafood industry’s transition to net-zero.
The fishing and aquaculture sectors have an important role in contributing to meet Welsh Government net-zero targets by 2050, but currently there are no baseline carbon emissions data available for those sectors in Wales, explained public body Seafish.
Seafish has been commissioned by the Fisheries Division of the Welsh Government to produce the first ever baseline carbon footprint for commercial Welsh fisheries, covering emissions up to the point of landing and aquaculture production up to the first point of sale.
The study will focus on wild-capture species of economic importance to the Welsh fleet, including European seabass, cockle, edible brown crab, European lobster, king and queen scallops, common whelk, skate and rays.
Data on aquaculture species, including mussels and oysters, is also being collected.
“We know that Welsh fishers are already taking steps to fish efficiently and responsibly,” said Samira Anand, Welsh Industry Engagement Manager at Seafish. “This project is about capturing that progress and providing the baseline to help support the sector’s transition to net-zero.
“The more input we get from industry, the stronger and more useful the results will be, so I would really encourage industry members to engage with this project.”
With direct input needed from the commercial catching and aquaculture sectors, Seafish is asking skippers, vessel owners and aquaculture operators to share information to help shape the work.
Contributions, including information on gear lifespan, fuel use and examples of carbon saving measures already in use will ensure that estimates reflect the operating environment of the Welsh fleet.
The work will support delivery of the climate change objective included in the Fisheries Act 2020 which established a plan for the UK and devolved administrations to manage fisheries, aquaculture and marine conservation.
By establishing the carbon footprint of Welsh fisheries, the Welsh Government will be better placed to ensure that adverse effects of fishing and aquaculture are minimised, Seafish said.
