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In 2001 following representations from industry regarding a lack of accessible ice facilities at St Peter Port harbour and falling fish prices, the department initiated a project in conjunction with the Board of Industry, environmental health officers and various industry experts in an effort to address these issues.
The aim of the project was to develop a strategy for the Guernsey fishing industry designed to improve the quality and value of all commercially exploited fish species within the Bailiwick, and to ensure that fish exports continue to exceed minimum EU quality standards, thereby safeguarding access to valuable European markets.
Commerce and Employment are continuing to progress this important work in four separate but related work streams.
1. A review of the islands competent authority structure
2. Provision of appropriate icing facilities at St Peter Port harbour
3. Development of best practice codes and guidance notes for handling fishery
products
4. Improved marketing for quality products with a new quality assurance mark
“Guernsey Fresh Catch”.
The Department is currently seeking to progress stages 3 and 4 of this project and has recently circulated a consultation paper entitled “Best Practice Codes and Guidance Notes” to more than 30 industry leaders including fishermen and merchants.
The department believes that industry has a crucial role to play in the development of these codes to ensure that they are relevant to the Guernsey situation and comments are being sought in relation to the suitability, practicality and content of the codes.
The department believes that improving product quality is undoubtedly the best way to add value to catches. For wetfish in particular improved handling after capture has repeatedly been proven to significantly prolong shelf life and even add weight to landings by organisations such as Seafish and the Torry research institution. In addition, consistent and accurate grading of shellfish coupled with good marketing has also been demonstrated to add value to landings.
The Bailiwick’s marine resources are rich and diverse. Local vessels land high value species such as Lobster and Bass in significant numbers. The fleet undertake short fishing trips most often landing catches on a daily basis and so this means that at its best and when handled correctly Guernsey fish and shellfish are of supreme quality and therefore have the potential to achieve premium prices at market providing quality is maintained throughout distribution.
The intention of this consultation is to obtain industry input and to develop best practice codes that are suitable for the Guernsey situation and that when followed will result in fishery products of superior quality every time.
It is hoped that in due course any fishers and merchants able to consistently meet the standards defined within the new codes will be able to label products as Guernsey Fresh Catch and it is hoped that successful marketing of a Guernsey Fresh Catch brand will lead to better financial returns and a healthy local fishing industry.
If you are involved in the industry and you would like a copy of the consultation document then please do not hesitate to contact Roger Sendall at the Sea Fisheries Department 234567.
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