Auchterlonie charts course for England’s seafood

He is the new chair of Seafood 2040, which aims to develop the full potential of England’s seafood industry over the next two decades. Seafood 2040 is facilitated by Seafish, the public body supporting the UK’s seafood industry, and funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

Auchterlonie takes over the role on Friday (May 1) following the departure of the inaugural programme chair Alison Austin.

Assisting in recovery

He said: “I’m looking forward to leading the programme to develop the seafood industry in England, hopefully maintaining the momentum that has been built up by Alison, the Seafish Industry Leadership Group, and the Aquaculture Leadership Group.

“Seafood 2040 will be a vehicle to support the seafood industry’s sustainability in the long term, and, not least, assist in the recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Looking at how we address these challenges will be my priority.”

Continuity

Seafish chief executive Marcus Coleman said Covid-19 has created an unprecedented set of challenges and Seafood 2040 will have an important role to play in helping the seafood industry in England to find its feet again.

“Neil brings a wealth of experience and knowledge which will be extremely valuable in shaping the support that Seafood 2040 can deliver for the industry. He has also previously served on the Seafood 2040 Government appointed Industry Expert Working Group alongside former chair Alison Austin. This puts him on an excellent footing to bring some continuity at this difficult time and carry on the excellent work she started.”

Auchterlonie is a technical expert in fisheries, aquaculture and sustainable seafood and has worked previously as an advisor to industry, governments and NGOs.

He has a PhD in aquaculture from Stirling University.