2020 saw the launch of our new Discover Seafood site, working to connect the British public with their local fishing industry, seafood and coastal communities. After a successful launch, 2021 marks the next phase in the project, building up the site’s capacity and launching an exciting UK-wide Seafood Relay. To support these next steps Sophie Fontes has just joined our partner on this project, Mindfully Wired Communications, as an intern through our Fisheries Targeted Academic Sponsorship Programme. Here, Sophie talks us through what 2021 means for Discover Seafood and what the internship means for her future career prospects.
2021 has already gotten off to a flying start, as I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Mindfully Wired in partnership with The Fishmonger’s Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust. As part of my new role at Mindfully Wired, I’ll be working on The Fishmongers’ Company’s Discover Seafood project, an exciting interactive online portal helping to connect people with local seafood.
Now more than ever, it’s important to support independent businesses and our local fishing communities, where we can and I’m delighted to be working on a project which provides an exciting new platform for those in the fishing industry, helping them to reach new customers during a challenging time.
The prospect of instigating positive change through creative communications with Mindfully Wired Communications was a huge draw for me. The opportunity to use and build upon my current marketing experience (my background lies in publishing and the travel industry) in order to educate others about local seafood and sustainability sounded like an exciting challenge, with the added bonus of expanding my own knowledge of UK fisheries and marine sustainability. I love cooking and I’m a keen forager, so promoting seasonal and sustainable eating is a subject right up my strasse!
The Discover Seafood site is already a fantastic resource and I look forward to adding to it as much as we can: more local retailers, more stories and more delicious recipes! The most exciting addition in 2021 will be the introduction of the Discover Seafood Relay, which will bring together a diverse range of coastal explorers who are keen to discover local seafood and share stories from the fascinating fishing communities all over the UK. If you have a seafood story please get in touch!
I am only one week into the role but the time is already flying! There is so much work to be done and we’ll be sharing all the goings-on at Discover Seafood over the next few months. In the meantime, if you’re in need for some local fresh fish during lockdown, Discover Seafood has your back: https://discoverseafood.uk/retailers/.
© The Fishmongers’ Company 2024
