Seafood 2040. A strategic framework for England.

This document is a road map in the seafood industry sector. It sets out a clear and compelling case for a thriving seafood industry, with a special vision for the seafood value chain in 2040: increase of seafood consumption; catch fisheries are verifiably sustainable and flourishing; enhanced role of producer organisations; promotion of aquaculture; opportunities for export and access to international markets.
In order to attain its first objective (grow seafood consumption) the document outlines three strategic priorities: 1) to maximize sustainable wild catch opportunities; 2) to grow a sustainable aquaculture sector; 3) to enable business growth. Three founding principles shall support related actions: collaboration, science and innovation and best practice.
The Action Plan (under Section 3 of the strategy) describes the initiatives and actions to be implemented in accordance with the three principles above-mentioned. Regarding collaboration, the document provides for the establishment of a Seafood Industry Leadership Group to bring all sectors together to lead and support the work set out in this plan and to hold all partners to account for its delivery. Regarding science, the key is the knowledge transfer network (KTN), which facilitates improved coordination between academia, industry, the research councils and government; the recently established Food Innovation Network (FIN); and the Scottish Funding Council’s Innovation Centre Programme. Regarding best practice, the aim is to eradicate bad practices and deliver demonstrable improvement on all four key strands of sustainability: a) People (health, safety and wellbeing of workers at sea and on shore; healthier lives from a seafood-rich diet; value-added to local communities); b) Planet (verifiable sustainable sourcing; waste reduction; carbon management); c) Production: traceability, product integrity; fair operating practices; d) Transparency and good governance underpinning all of the above.