The chain even at its simplest takes these steps to get from the sea to the plate:
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| The seafood chain starts at sea with the catch... |
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| then the landing... |
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| then the auction... |
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| then scientists do their bit... |
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| then the distribution... |
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| then the fish counter... |
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| and finally, fish on our plates! |
Seafood 2040 - A Strategic Framework for England (SF2040) - sets out a vision for the seafood supply chain. It identifies actions for how the industry can grow to the recommended consumption level of two servings of fish per person per week, while ensuring continued sustainability of supply in both the wild caught and aquaculture sectors.
The framework has been created by an expert panel with members from across the seafood value chain including catching, aquaculture, processing, international trade, retail, foodservice and science. It is the first time a full supply chain perspective has been used to develop a plan for the long-term future.
Alison Austin, chair of Seafood 2040and an independent Seafish Board member said:
"The English seafood sector is facing a raft of opportunities and challenges over the coming decades: Brexit, opening up new markets, access to raw material and labour, as well as environmental pressures, to name a few. Planning for the future to ensure the industry thrives is vital.
"For this to happen, change must come from within the industry through continued commitment and collaboration across all parts of the supply chain, including government.
"The first step to bring this program to life is to create a Seafood Industry Leadership Group who will oversee the delivery of SF2040. This will be made up of key industry leaders and a representative from Seafish and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)."
Welcoming the establishment of the Industry Leadership GroupGeorge Eustice, Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, said: "As we leave the EU, we want to see our fishing industry seize the opportunity to create a more profitable, sustainable and innovative seafood sector.
"I look forward to seeing how this group can work together to drive forward the ambitions in this strategy and unlock the industry's vast potential."
Seafood 2040: A Strategic Framework for England has been published on the Seafish website. Hard copies are available on request.
For more information on Seafood 2040, please email Alison Austin or Georgina Karlsson at Defra or contact Aoife Martin at Seafish.