“Make Your Voice Heard” Calls NFFO Shellfish Chairman

A project to assess the relative merits of alternative management approaches for the brown crab fishery is now underway and will be speaking to fishermen across the UK and Republic of Ireland over the coming weeks.  The project, supported by Seafish, is the culmination of a concerted focus by the industry that has brought together key fishermen’s representative bodies including the NFFO, SFF, SAGB, WFFA, NIFPO and Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, towards securing the basis for a profitable future for the sector. 

At the same time, Defra has elected to also re-examine measures towards tightening rules on crab and lobster, and a formal consultation is expected later this year. 
Gary Hodgson, NFFO Shellfish Committee Chairman said:
“The NFFO have backed the strengthening of measures on both crab and lobster for some time.   One of the challenges the industry has faced has been to agree on an approach that suits the nature of the different fleet sectors that work in the fishery.  It is essential therefore that all the regional fleets have a say so that an agreed approach can be taken forward.  Although it is a difficult time for the industry with poor market prices, the time is right to apply additional measures that will both help support prices through this difficult period, and also safeguard the future of the industry in the longer term.”

Nautilus Consultants are undertaking the project and open to industry meetings will take place at the following locations: 

As venues have a limited capacity, please get in touch with the appropriate contact should you wish to attend.