Sectors of our Ports and Maritime Consulting ~ Fisheries and Seafood

Many of the ports and harbours that we have worked in have included fisheries and/or seafood markets.

Often the fisheries sector is relatively overlooked in larger ports, and in studies on their development. It is a pity, because fisheries communities are often part of the local tradition, and indeed the wider seafaring tradition that exists in many port cities. Maintaining working fleets in ports also helps leisure oriented harbours project a sense of purpose, adding to their appeal.

The byword for modern fisheries development is quality - from boat to throat in a the shortest possible time, with fully controlled temperature, with traceability. Obtaining the best price for catch at the boat is critical, and modern electronic auctions have a role to play here.

In the Northwest of England, we conceived Seafood NW, a not-for-profit, industry led company designed to promote the development of the catching and processing sector. Our Associates have expertise in the development of strategies and action plans for the fisheries sector, particularly in the port environment.

2 projects were relevant to this section. Listing 2 most recent projects:

Structural Review, Port of Shoreham

Shoreham Port commissioned Fisher Associates to undertake a Review of Structural Change in response to the requirements of "Modernising Trust Ports [second edition]". This required the Port of Shoreham to report to the UK Department for Transport on its analysis of structural change, and to explain and justify its intended course of action.

We assessed the opportunity for structural change at Shoreham Port, and the impact that this might have on enhancing efficiency and value from assets. We considered various options for the Port of Shoreham, for example remaining a Trust Port as is, or a variation of this, and other institutional / ownership models. The review included (2009/10):

• The performance of the port.
• Key proposals for structural change and the rationale for these.
• Conclusions and recommendations.

Action Plan for Northwest Seafood Sector, UK

We managed and undertook studies for Northwest Regional Development Agency to prepare an action plan to set up an industry led group to champion the seafood sector in England's Northwest. The action plan provided a guide for future development and formation of a company limited by guarantee (not for profit), and for funding of the partnership by the Agency. (2004)