Responsible Fishing Ports Scheme to give seafood buyers confidence of good practice
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| Fish buyers on Newlyn Fish Market |
In a move to assure buyers of a fishing port's good practice, Seafish is currently running a Responsible Fishing Ports Scheme (RFPS)pilot programme and is seeking input and feedback from the seafood industry and other interested parties, as part of a public consultation which has been published today (1st December).
The scheme aims to promote responsible operating practices in UK fishing ports and is focusing on five core elements: Food Safety and Structural Integrity, Port and the Working Environment, Care for the Environment, Care of the Catch and Traceability.
Pilot audits at four fishing ports across the country have just been completed by Acoura Marine, an independent third party appointed as the certification body to carry out the trials. Feedback from the pilot audits has been used to further develop the standard to ensure it is fit for purpose. Responses to the public consultation, which is open for 60 days, will also generate useful feedback to inform further changes to the draft Standard.
Plymouth Harbour took part in one of the four pilot audits, and Harbour Master Pete Bromley said: "The recent RFPS development audit carried out at Plymouth Fisheries was welcomed by all parties involved and we were pleased to take part and provide feedback.
The implementation of a workable and practical certification scheme for harbours and first sale establishments will serve to standardise working practices throughout the industry, provide clear guidelines and increase buyer confidence by regulating hygiene and safety standards."
The project is being driven by the British Ports Association Fishing Ports Group in an effort to develop consistency, and improve standards and transparency across UK fishing ports, while providing a guarantee of good practice to buyers and the wider supply chain.
The current standard has been developed for large ports but future development of the standard will include a separate version to suit small ports and harbours.
RFPS Project Manager at Seafish, Marcus Jacklin, said:
"The vast majority of UK fishing ports are already acting in a responsible manner and working to a high standard. This scheme will give assurances to buyers that these high standards are being adhered to.
The five core elements we are focusing on reflect the main priorities of seafood buyers and by assessing these, we can assure all parts of the supply chain that certified fishing ports and auctions are acting responsibly and following good practice."
The Public consultation on the scheme opened today (1st December) for 60 days and industry and other groups are encouraged to respond. Full details on the scheme and how to respond to the consultation can be found on the Seafish website.
Public Consultation on the Responsible Fishing Ports Scheme
The Responsible Fishing Port Scheme (RFPS) Standards will provide assurance to seafood sellers and buyers that all certified or engaged fishing ports and auctions are acting in a responsible manner with the seafood landed and sold through the market. The standards cover five core areas;
- Food Safety and Structural Integrity
- Working Environment
- Care for the Environment
- Care of the Catch, and
- Seafood Traceability.
The rationale behind the standards comes from an increasing need for assurances of transparency across the full seafood supply chain and the fishing port, and auctions were identified as an area that would benefit from guidance on industry accepted best practice.
Public Consultation on the Responsible Fishing Ports Scheme
As part of the RFPS development process, it is essential to undertake a 60 day public consultation to generate feedback from as many interested parties as possible.
To provide feedback on the RFPS draft Standard, please;
- Download the Public Consultation document
- Download the excel Response Form.
- Submit responses on the response form by no later than 29th January 2018 to marcus.jacklin@seafish.co.uk