Cornish fishermen land a fantastic and diverse range of fish and shellfish species every day. Sustainability is one of the core principles that underpin the diverse mixed-fisheries and the healthy marine environment they come from.

The CFPO works closely with its members to continuously improve and promote sustainable fishing practices. This is done in a number of ways including by supporting (and leading) various projects that not only enhance the economic viability of Cornish fleets but also minimise the impact of fishing on the environment.

The CFPO works to ensure our member’s reputation for landing the very best quality fish caught in highly sustainable fisheries by environmentally responsible fishermen is known by as many people as possible.

Examples of our projects

Thanks in part at least to the dedication and innovation of Cornish fishermen and the CFPO, species such as the Cornish hake have gone from signs of early depletion to doubling stocks and is now fished at levels consistent with Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).

Due to the sustainable fishing practices of CFPO members, and their continuing work with scientists, the CFPO’s Cornish gill-net hake fishery has been awarded MSC certification and is now heralded as one of the UK’s most sustainable species.

Alongside Seafood Cornwall, Ocean Fish, and well-known Cornish chef and author James Strawbridge, the CFPO secured funding from the UK Seafood Innovation Fund to explore options for increased consumption of sustainably-caught Cornish fish and shellfish.

The project focused on two under-loved species, Cornish sole and Cornish king crab, and identified ways to create sustainable, value-added products to UK supermarket shelves.