The UK authority Seafish has developed an assessment model which will help fisheries in the South West of England to identify the ecological effects of fishing and work towards becoming more sustainable.

The model uses ‘ecological risk screening’ to assess all available information about the effects of fishing on various ecosystems and highlights the areas most likely to have increased risk from fishing in the South West. A scientific paper on the method is in preparation.

The model works as a screening method, using informed judgement, which focuses attention on the most important risks and screen out less important effects. Action can then be taken to improve existing or implementing new measures or through more formal management channels such as EU regulations.

The report has been produced with Seafood Cornwall, following several requests from major processors in the area looking for a more comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of fisheries in the South West.

Currently, the main source of information on responsible sourcing of fish products is based on scientific advice on the stock status of the main commercial species. However, fisheries in the South West fish for many species which are not subject to regular assessments and so conventional methods are unable to provide the full picture of the effects of fishing in the area.

Seafish is continuing to develop a suite of tools to enable the fishing industry to initiate and participate in environmental assessments including the Risk Assessment for Sourcing Seafood (RASS). Due to launch in September, it enables buyers to understand potential risk in relation to sourcing seafood.

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