January 11th, 2024
A remarkable new research report proves the importance of Cornwall’s seafood sector.
- Seafood jobs are four times more important to Cornwall’s economy than to the UK’s.
- Cornwall’s seafood sector contributes £174 million to the county’s total GVA.
- For every fisherman at sea, there are 15 more jobs in Cornwall.
New figures have revealed seafood jobs are four times more important to Cornwall’s economy than they are to the UK’s. According to an independent research report, the sector contributes £174 million to the county’s total gross value added.
The report was commissioned by the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation to determine the true value of seafood to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Around 8,000 people in Cornwall work in seafood, meaning for every Cornish fisherman at sea, there are fifteen more jobs on shore. Five of those shore-based jobs also rely on tourism.
Chris Ranford, CEO of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, said:
“The results of this report are outstanding. We always knew the importance of fishing to Cornwall, but this provides the socio-economic evidence to back it up, inform decision-making and attract strategic investment into the industry.
“The symbiotic relationship between fishing, hospitality, and tourism is unique to Cornwall. It’s something to be proud of and make sure we’re protecting and enhancing for future generations.”
The research follows the Cornish Fishing Strategy (2021), which was aimed at refocusing the strategic vision of the Cornish seafood industry post-Brexit. It highlighted four key areas of action: science & sustainability, ports infrastructure, recruitment & retention, and communications & marketing. The ‘Value of Seafood to Cornwall’ research underpins those objectives.
Figures in the report show 16% of Cornwall’s table-service restaurants (not including fish and chip shops) specialise in seafood. That’s the highest concentration in the UK outside London. Fishing, tourism, and hospitality combined establish Cornwall as the UK’s flagship for the seafood economy.
Malcolm Bell, Visit Cornwall, said:
“Seafood is a key part of the Cornish brand. When you think of Cornwall, you think of the food as much as the destination. Holidaying in Cornwall and eating Cornish seafood are one and the same, so it’s vital we protect the fishing and seafood industry; without them, Cornwall’s tourism economy wouldn’t perform as well.”
The research is expected to better inform regional and national decision-making and drive strategic investment into Cornwall’s seafood sector.
– Notes to Editors:
The last time evidence-based research like this existed was 20 years ago.
Read the full ‘Value of Seafood to Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly 2021’ report here:
https://cfpo.org.uk/true-value-seafood
The figures stated in the above release are based on the most recent available data.
You can access a full image bank here: https://we.tl/b-EWRqD9qNdd
Please credit all images used to ‘Seafood Cornwall’.
Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO)
CFPO was established in 1975 by local fishermen in Cornwall. Today, they are proud to represent fishermen from all over Cornwall and beyond who make up one of the most sustainable and diverse fishing fleets in Europe. It’s a member-led organisation made up of over 175 vessels.
Seafood Cornwall
Seafood Cornwall is led by the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation. It’s the marketing arm that celebrates the seafood sector, the fishing community, and healthy and delicious food. It’s an initiative for every boat and fisherman in Cornwall and for the many businesses that depend on Cornish fish and seafood.
