Welsh seafood industry asked to share carbon emissions data in bid for net zero

Fishing vessel owners and aquaculture operators across Wales are being invited to contribute data to a new study on carbon emissions designed to support the seafood industry’s transition to net-zero.

UK seafood trade body Seafish has been commissioned by the Fisheries Division of the Welsh Government to produce the first-ever baseline carbon footprint for commercial Welsh fisheries, covering emissions up to the point of landing, and aquaculture production up to the first point of sale.

The study will focus on wild-capture species of key economic importance to the Welsh fleet, including European seabass, cockle, edible brown crab, European lobster, king and queen scallops, common whelk, skate, and rays. Data on aquaculture species such as mussels and oysters is also being collected.

“We know that Welsh fishers are already taking steps to fish efficiently and responsibly,” said Samira Anand, Welsh Industry Engagement Manager.

“This project is about capturing that progress and providing the baseline to help support the sector’s transition to net-zero. The more input we get from industry, the stronger and more useful the results will be," she added.

Fishing vessel owners, skippers and aquaculture operators are encouraged to share information on gear lifespan, fuel use, and existing carbon-saving measures to ensure estimates reflect real operating conditions in Wales.

Seafish said the project supports delivery of the climate change objective set out in the Fisheries Act 2020, which provides a framework for the UK and devolved administrations to manage fisheries, aquaculture, and marine conservation sustainably.

Last year, Seafish launched SCEPT, its Seafood Carbon Emissions Profiling Tool, with the aim of helping UK seafood businesses identify and tackle carbon emissions "hotspots" in their supply chains, and thus help the entire sector meet their net-zero targets.