Whether you are connecting from the wheelhouse or from your sofa – join the conversation and keep your finger on the pulse.

Fishing into the Future (FITF) is hosting a series of talks focused on furthering knowledge and creating connections with people in the fishing industry. These informal conversations, hosted by fishermen, encourage participation within a fishermen-led space, and invite experts on different topics to share knowledge and take your questions. Topics are suggested by industry, and the focus is on learning and creating a dialogue between people who are passionate about the future of the industry.

In this session we are sharing insights into how fishing organisations and associations are working with government and statutory bodies to plan and prioritise competing demands such as fishing and offshore wind in our coastal waters.

Managing the space around the UK around the UK is a difficult job, with a rising number of marine protected areas and renewable energy developments, it feels like areas designated for fishing are reducing in size. How can we balance the need for renewable energy and food security from the sea? Do local, coastal communities benefit from developments and/or fishing? FITF are joined by Mike Roach from the NFFO and a number of expert speakers discussing these topics, along with existing case studies from Scotland and Southwest England, mapping of fishing activities and engagement with fishing communities.

Whether you’re interested in having your say, or you’re curious to draw from the knowledge of others, this is the FITF Talks for you!

Who’s talking?

National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations - With Mike Roach, the Deputy Chief Executive and a background in research and representing industry in fishing associations at a regional and national level, including the Holderness Fishing Industry Group and the Shellfish Association of Great Britain.

Scottish Fishermen’s Federation – Elena Balestri, Senior Fisheries Policy and Science Manager, to discuss the indirect impacts of offshore wind on fisheries ecology and fishing communities.

Cornish Fisheries Producers Organisation – Chris Ranford, CEO, and David Stevens, CFPO member, and skipper of the Crystal Sea, who have worked closely with The Crown Estate over developments in the Celtic Sea.

Retired Fisherman, Independent Consultant and Thanet Fisherman’s Association – Merlin Jackson has worked with fishing fleets to support engagement with developers and sits on the Fisheries Liaison Offshore Wind Working Group.

Plymouth Marine Laboratory - Claire Szostek, Senior Scientist. Recently Claire’s research has focussed on the social and ecological impacts of offshore wind on commercial fishermen.

Defra – Edd Hind Ozan, Head of Marine and Fisheries Social Science manages research projects working with the industry, such as mapping cultural fishing grounds.
Marine Management Organisation - Rachel Brown, Head of Marine Planning and Strategic Renewables Unit

And more TBC!

FITF Talks: Balancing Energy and Food security in UK waters