"These adjustments will allow us to continue providing high-quality services, insight and support, ensuring Seafish remains a stable, effective and trusted partner for the UK seafood sector,” said Seafish Chair Mike Sheldon.
Photo: Seafish
Seafish, the public body supporting the UK seafood sector, has announced it is restructuring to ensure it "continue[s] to delivery the best support and value to industry over the long term."
The organisation is funded by a levy on the first sale of seafood products in the UK, including imported seafood, and had requested an amendment to its funding model, however, in July this year the UK government decided not approve the proposed Seafish levy reforms.
"Following careful consideration by our Board, we will refocus our work on the areas where we can make the greatest difference for industry, while also securing Seafish’s financial sustainability over the next five years," the organisation stated.
Seafish said the new structure will focus on a smaller number of "core delivery areas" for the seafood industry, focusing on training, trade and "future ready" activities.
“While the levy decision was not the outcome we had hoped for, we fully respect the decision in the context of the challenging economic climate in which the UK seafood industry is operating," said Seafish Chair Mike Sheldon, announcing the restructuring plans.
"The extensive levy consultation and review process that we undertook with the industry clearly showed where they need our support most, and this has been central in shaping our plans so we can continue supporting a thriving seafood industry into the future,” Sheldon added.
Seafish said it will continue to provide skills and training support for safety at sea, training for fishermen and also for seafood businesses to meet essential standards.
On trade, the organisation will provide guidance and support on regulation, market access and trade flows "to help seafood move frictionlessly across borders," while its work in preparing the sector for future challenges will include support for responsible sourcing, environmental sustainability, decarbonisation, and innovation.
Areas of activity that are being "wound down" between now and the end of March include Seafish's Fisheries Management service, although the organisation stresses it will "strive to retain some fisheries science expertise".
Sheldon added: “These decisions have been taken only after thorough review by our Executive Team and Board. We recognise that any organisational change has an impact on people, and we are handling this with the utmost care. Up to 13 roles may be affected, and a consultation process is now under way with those colleagues.
“Our commitment to industry remains unchanged. These adjustments will allow us to continue providing high-quality services, insight and support, ensuring Seafish remains a stable, effective and trusted partner for the UK seafood sector.”
The news follows the recent appointment of Colin Faulkner as Seafish's next Chief Executive Officer. Faulkner, who is currently Head of International Fisheries and Seafood Trade Policy at the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will take up the role on 12 January 2026. He succeeds Marcus Coleman, who leaves the organisation on 17 December 2025 after ten years in post.