UK: Seafish welcomes findings of independent review – Fishupdate.com
UK: Seafish welcomes findings of independent review Published: 10 February, 2006
THE overall direction the Sea Fish Industry Authority is taking has been backed in an independent review, it emerged today.
But the review also recommends that the authority’s levy should be applied to salmon and migratory trout.
The findings of the review, which sets out proposals for its future was welcomed today by Seafish.
The review centres on the role and function of Seafish, the statutory levy paid by industry to Seafish and the organisations accountability to industry.
A proposed response to the Review from Government has also been published, confirming the Reviews main conclusion that Seafish should continue to address the needs of the whole seafood chain.
Seafish Chief Executive John Rutherford said: We are pleased with the findings of this Review which support the overall direction of plans we have been developing over the past year. The Review team emphasise the important role we have to play, and we look forward to an even better dialogue with the seafood industry, from sea to plate.
In particular, we are glad that the Governments proposed response clearly tasks Seafish with taking a lead in promoting sustainability within the industry.
The final response from Government, following the consultation period, will be carefully considered in setting the strategic direction for Seafish.
Seafish also welcomes the Review recommendation that the levy should be applied to salmon and migratory trout, but recognises such a change will require endorsement from these sectors.
Seafish Chairman Andrew Dewar-Durie said: The Review emphasises the importance to Seafish of positive engagement with the whole seafood sector in the UK. We are glad that the work of our advisory committees was commented on so favourably and the challenge now is to extend it further through the seafood chain.
The Review reinforces the need to reflect the views and opinions of customers in all that Seafish does and we look forward to meeting this challenge as we look to the future of the organisation.
Government is currently recruiting three new members to the Seafish Board and we are confident that this process will demonstrate commitment to transparency and openness throughout the process.
All sectors of the industry are being invited to respond to the Review during the stated consultation period until 5 May 2006. Seafish says it also welcomes direct contact from industry representatives and the opportunity to discuss our forward plans. Log onto www.seafish.org for more information.
The Independent Review on the future of the Seafish Industry Authority (SFIA) is now open for public consultation along with the Government’s proposed response.
Stakeholders are invited to provide comments on the review and the proposed response to the four UK Fisheries Administrations which will be taken into consideration by the Fisheries Ministers.
A final report will be published later this year.
Copies of the Report and the provisional response are available from (http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/gov-response-seafish/index.htm
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