Funded by Seafish, South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), Defra and the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG), the project aims to engage fishermen, merchants, processors and selling agents with the aim of ensuring that all sectors of the South West Fish Industry maximise the quality and value of all fish and shellfish landed. Seafish South West will seek to achieve this through marketing, working with crews and merchants to improve quality, study tours and assisting with development of new products.

Jon Harman, Development Director at Seafish said: "The South West lands the most fish by value in England and seafood from this area is renowned for its diversity and quality. This new organisation will cover from the Bristol Channel through to Landsend and up to Poole. It will work with fishermen and merchants to optimise the quality and marketing opportunities for seafood from the region by building on responsible fishing activities and sustainable initiatives."

A dedicated newsletter and website have been established to support the project. The website www.seafishsouthwest.org.uk will have up-to-date news and information and a monthly newsletter will maintain the profile of the project.

Jim Portus, Chief Executive of the South Western Fish Producer Organisation Ltd welcomed the project saying: "This is an exciting initiative that will deliver to the rest of the region the wonderful things that the Seafood Cornwall project has achieved, including positively influencing fish producers, buyers and processors in Cornwall.

"We have watched with admiration the achievements delivered in the ports and boats of Looe and Newlyn. Fishers and merchants are already eagerly receiving advice on improving quality and productivity from the myriad species marketed in Brixham, Plymouth and Bideford.

"At the same time, other innovations in the catching sector are helping to reduce marine environmental impacts. The industry is taking itself through dramatic changes, with sustainability, traceability and profitability being the key objectives that Seafish South West will help deliver in the months ahead."

For more information contact:

Nathan de Rozarieux, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 01736 874304