Project to Open New Markets for Welsh Fishing Industry

The fishing industry’s value to the economy of Wales is being recognised with the creation of an exciting project aimed at developing new products and markets for fish. Up to 90% of Welsh fish is sold overseas but Menter a Busnes believes there is good potential for developing local and regional markets. Through Cywain Fisheries, modelled on the successful Cywain agri-food project, the fishing sector will be encouraged to add value to the nation’s annual catch. Project Manager, Aled Davies, wants fishermen, fishmongers, associations and the aquaculture sector to get involved. “We want to encourage more local provenance, to see more fish used in the areas of Wales where it is caught and produced,’’ he says. “The quality of produce in Wales is excellent and fish is no exception. We want to empower the industry and give it the confidence to grow its markets.’’ Cywain Fisheries, funded through the European Fisheries Fund with match funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, will give the industry access to support, facilitation, expert advice and a high quality mentoring service. The project team will draw from all sectors to get the best quality support it can. The long-term goal, says Aled Davies, is to create a sustainable future for the sector. Pembrokeshire fisherman Lee Clarke says Cywain Fisheries represents an exciting opportunity for businesses like the one he runs with his brothers, Roger and Nicholas, from Porthgain Harbour. They are among the first to benefit in the early stages of the new scheme and hope the initiative will give them the confidence to diversify their business. “Through Cywain Fisheries we have been given knowledge, signposting and the support we require to expand our business,’’ says Lee. “We hope in this new venture to add value to our catch, which at present is sent to the Continent at a lower price.’’ Wales’ Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones, says one of the Welsh Assembly Government’s priorities is to make it easier for people to buy food and drink that has been produced locally in Wales. “This project will help to do that,’’ she says. “There are numerous benefits attached to buying food locally from environmental benefits such as reducing food miles to encouraging healthy eating and boosting the local economy.”