CLONAKILTY, Ireland, 17 May 2023 – The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is pleased to announce its partnership with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) of England. This collaboration involves a feasibility study focused on the development and application of rapid species identification technologies. Initiated in consultation with expert genetics researchers, this project aims to strengthen traceability, fisheries regulation compliance, and food safety within the fisheries and seafood production industries in Ireland and England.
Recent technological progress has set the stage for the creation of portable genetic testing tools. These breakthroughs have significant potential to transform practices within the fisheries and seafood production industries. Both the SFPA and MMO aim to be at the forefront of the use of such technology.
Based on verified, peer-reviewed science, the molecular technologies under review are envisaged for potential use in inspection and promotion of compliance and could result in ongoing improvements in traceability and adherence to fisheries regulation.
On the 16th of May representatives of the SFPA and the MMO met at the SFPA’s headquarters in Clonakilty. The objective was to conduct field tests on rapid species identification methods. A very productive meeting, both the SFPA and the MMO had extensive learnings from the day of testing, as well as the subsequent roundtable discussions. Key to the day was assessing the future of the feasibility testing, with specific next steps agreed by both sides.
The availability of new technology has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of control agencies with responsibility for sea-fisheries law and seafood safety, particularly with regards to traceability. Rapid species identification technology also serves as a practical means to protect jobs in the fishing and seafood production industries by improving traceability of seafood in the Irish and English markets.
Both the SFPA and the MMO are excited to be at the forefront of what they see as a valuable, forward-thinking initiative.
For additional information, please contact;
SFPA SFPAFood&Fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie or
MMO evidence@marinemanagement.org.uk
ENDS
Photo Caption
On the 16th of May representatives of the SFPA and the MMO met at the SFPA’s headquarters in Clonakilty. The objective was to conduct field tests on rapid species identification methods.
Pictured during one of the genetic testing protocol’s workshops are, from left to right: Sarah Buckley, SFPA, Juliet Wilson, MMO and Gary Hannon, SFPA
About the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA)
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is the independent statutory body responsible for the regulation of the sea-fisheries and the sea-food production sectors. It promotes compliance with the EU Common Fisheries Policy, sea-fisheries law and food safety law relating to fish and fisheries products, verifies compliance and, where necessary, enforces it. Its mandate covers all fishing vessels operating within Ireland’s 200-mile limit, over 2,000 Irish registered fishing vessels wherever they operate, and all seafood produced in Ireland’s seafood processing companies. The SFPA operates through a network of regional port offices situated at Ireland’s main fishery harbours. For further information visit https://www.sfpa.ie/
About the Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
The MMO is an executive non-departmental public body in England, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. Its task is to manage and regulate the marine environment, making a vital contribution to sustainable development and growth of marine and coastal industries. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation