207. Coffee Colloquy, Fish, Food & Science: Delivering SDG14, Mansion House, 11 June 2024


This was a further event in the series organised by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, under his mayoral theme “Connect to Prosper” and focused on Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.  It was organised in partnership with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Sheriff Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE introduced the event.  She explained that she was particularly keen to introduce this colloquy as she trained in oceanography as part of a degree at the University of Southampton.  We heard a range of UK-based experts from industry, science, government and NGOs explaining the steps their sectors are taking in the fight against unsustainable fishing and damage to the marine environment. Each speaker made the case for positive change on water, by working together, protecting the ocean and safeguarding seafood supplies and livelihoods for future generations.

Speakers

  • Mike Park OBE, CEO, Scottish Whitefish Fishing Association
  • Bryce Stewart, Senior Research Fellow, Marine Biological Association and Associate Professor, University of Plymouth
  • Cassie Leisk, Planet and People - Group Director, New England Seafood
  • Lucy Holmes, Senior Director of Blue Finance, WWF
  • Ana Nicula, Responsible Sourcing Manager, Ocado
  • Colin Faulkner, Deputy Director for External Fisheries Negotiations & Trade Policy, DEFRA
  • Bernadette Butfield, Senior Policy Officer – UK Marine Team, RSPB
  • Rupert Howes, Chief Executive, Marine Stewardship Council

Chair Q and A

  • Ishbel Matheson, Chief Communications Officer, Marine Stewardship Council

Points made included:

The oceans absorb more heat and carbon dioxide than anywhere else on earth.

Fishing is the world’s most traded commodity

60 million are employed in the industry

Production has increased five-fold since the 1970s

37% of global stocks are overfished

The Marine Stewardship Council was established by a partnership between Unilever and WWF

Ocean temperatures have risen by 1.5-3 Celsius

New habitats and ecosystems are developing eg blue tuna off the south coast of England

White fishing fleet reduced from 400 to 80 vessels

Need to harvest the yield not the asset base

Half of sea birds have been lost

Average catch sizes are reducing

Better and more effective regulation is needed

Carbon footprint of fish is lower than beef or lamb and close to chicken

Scallops and mussels can be bred and harvested with a very low carbon footprint

Need to have clean water


It was a fascinating morning demonstrating the benefits of partnerships and collaborative working.

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