Workshops give fishermen advice on how to become more competitive – Fishupdate.com

Workshops give fishermen advice on how to become more competitive Published:  20 October, 2005

A SERIES of workshops which will offer fishermen invaluable advice on how to make their business more competitive, profitable and efficient are being hosted by The Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish).

Under the banner ‘Fishing for the Future,’ the workshops will focus on looking towards the future and provide an insight into a number of projects being carried out by Seafish which could be of practical benefit to their business. The workshops will begin with a presentation on a new vessel business planner which has been developed by Seafish to allow fishermen to plan their fishing activity in a way that improves profitability. This will be followed by an introduction to the Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme which is being trialled this year and which will be launched to industry in 2006. The scheme will promote excellence within the UK fishing fleet by providing a specification allowing vessel operators to prove that they follow responsible fishing methods and promote good practice. There will then be the opportunity to learn about ways to improve fuel efficiency and increase profitability as part of a presentation from the Seafish Technology team. Seafish Development Director Jon Harman said: “These workshops will be very much focused on ways that fishermen can look towards the future in a positive way and enhance their business. We will be offering information and advice on issues that are extremely current in the catching sector, from fuel efficiency to traceability. I would urge anyone working in the local catching sector to come along and find out more.”

Two initial ‘Fishing for the Future’ workshops will take place at the following venues: The Waterside Hotel, Peterhead on Thursday, 27 October from 12pm – 3pm. The Shetland Hotel, Lerwick on Friday, 28 October from 12pm – 3pm.

After the presentations, there will be an opportunity for fishermen to find out more about the projects, and refreshments will be available. To find out more, contact Seafish Market Insight Manager Karen Galloway on 0131 524 8677 or 07966 585 841.

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