The aim of this project was to outline industry challenges to trialling modified or new selective fishing gear and to achieving regulatory approval for modified or new gear; and to describe what is needed from a regulatory perspective to enable improvements in the sustainability of the UK fishing sector. The project approach included: inception; workshop preparation; delivery of an online workshop with fishers and gear technologists, a face-to-face workshop with regulators, Fish Producer Organisations and gear technologists/researchers and supplementary 1:1 meetings; production of workshop/meeting notes and consolidated findings; desk research and analysis; case study development; the production of a draft report, roadmap and action plan; collation of feedback; and finalisation. The report sets out the current regulatory framework, outlines the challenges and barriers to the commercial uptake of selective gear, identifies and explores a range of solutions to facilitate gear trials and derogations; and provides conclusions and recommendations. The roadmap and action plan set out what needs to change, steps to be taken, responsibilities and timeframe.
Download the report here: Supporting the commercial update of innovative fishing gear — Seafish