The Fishmongers’ Company was proud to host the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fisheries’ Action Plan for a Thriving and Sustainable UK Fishing Industry at Fishmongers’ Hall on 9 September.
The event brought together parliamentarians, industry leaders, scientists and stakeholders from across the UK’s fishing and seafood sectors to unveil a comprehensive roadmap designed to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for one of the nation’s most important food-producing industries.
The Action Plan calls on Government to recognise fishing and seafood as part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure and to establish a coherent, long-term strategy for the sector within the next twelve months. Drawing on evidence gathered from coastal communities and industry representatives across all four nations of the United Kingdom, the report highlights the significant contribution fishing makes to food security, employment, local economies and the resilience of coastal communities.
The Action Plan sets out 38 recommendations covering food security, sustainability, investment, science, infrastructure, workforce development and domestic seafood consumption. Among its key proposals are the appointment of a dedicated Minister for the Marine and measures to ensure the fishing and seafood sectors can access energy-cost support comparable to that available to other industries.
Development of the Action Plan was supported by funding from the Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust (FCFCT), which also supports the APPG’s Secretariat services. The initiative reflects the Trust’s longstanding commitment to promoting sustainable and prosperous fisheries and supporting the communities that depend upon them.
Eleanor Adamson, Head of Fisheries at The Fishmongers’ Company, welcomed the publication of the report, saying:
“The Fishmongers’ Company and its Fisheries Charitable Trust are proud to have supported this cross-sector, cross-party inquiry, and thank the many experts whose insights helped shape it. The UK’s fishing and seafood sector sustains communities around our coasts and plays an important role in our food security, yet rarely gets the strategic attention it deserves.”
She added:
“We hope this Action Plan, which brings together voices from across the industry and all four nations, informs a constructive conversation about a prosperous future for the benefit of those working in the sector, the environment and our island nation.”
The launch at Fishmongers’ Hall underlined the Company’s enduring commitment to supporting a thriving and sustainable fishing industry. By bringing together policymakers, industry representatives and experts, the event provided an important opportunity to advance discussion on the future of UK fisheries and the role the sector can play in strengthening national food security, economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
© The Fishmongers’ Company 2026
