Boost for local fisheries

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Businesses involved in fish and seafood in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being urged to get involved in two projects currently being run by Cornwall Food & Drink.

The first is a market development project, aimed at identifying and creating new trade opportunities for Cornish fish, making connections between buyers and suppliers and designing and implementing marketing initiatives.

A key part of the project is to ensure Cornish fish is well represented at major events, including the flagship Great Cornish Food Festival, which takes place in Truro at the end of September.

The project is funded by the Cornwall and IOS Fisheries Local Action Group, an initiative supported by the Marine Management Organisation and the European Fisheries Fund.

photo by Mike Searle

The second is a study into the development needs of the sector, which Cornwall Food & Drink has been commissioned to undertake on behalf of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, in order to help inform future investment in the industry.

As part of the study, a survey is currently running online, so that anyone from a relevant business can share their views quickly and easily.

Cornwall Food & Drink is keen to make contact with anyone involved in the fishing or seafood industry who has not yet heard about these projects. Explaining why this is important, director, Ruth Huxley, said: “The study is a chance for those involved in this tremendously iconic Cornish industry to have their say on how any major infrastructure investments are made and it is therefore crucial that we obtain as much information as possible.

“We would also like as many businesses as possible to have the opportunity to participate in our market development work.”

The survey runs until January 25 and can be accessed from Cornwall Food & Drink’s Facebook and twitter pages, or by contacting the organisation on 01872 865101 or by emailing info@cornwallfoodanddrink.co.uk.