Plymouth has a long fishing tradition, boasting a uniquely diverse fleet with a wide range of different types of vessels and gears deployed. Over 80 different species of fish are landed in Plymouth. Prior to Covid, approximately £25m of fish was landed annually in the Plymouth region. The fishing industry brings over £12m Gross Value Added (GVA) to Plymouth, directly employs in excess of 480 fishers, and supports around 1,540 jobs in the wider supply chain. Plymouth Fish Market is a crucial element of the regional fishing industry and is vital for the sustainability of some of the smaller fishing communities who send their catch through the Market.

Around 300 
vessels
landing fish in Plymouth

The COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 have had a severe effect on the industry. The closure of the hospitality trade both in the UK and on the continent, devastated the market for many of the higher value species landed in Plymouth that would normally be sold to pubs, restaurants and hotels.

The sector has remobilised following lockdowns, however there are still significant challenges, including those associated with leaving the EU which resulted in increased paperwork and associated costs. There are still many exciting opportunities for the future of our industry, including sustainability initiatives, modernisation of the fleet and onshore facilities, improvements in working conditions and strengthening supply chains.

8,863

tonnes landed in Plymouth 2019

(8.5% of all England)

Around 480 directly employed and 1540 indirectly employed in supporting industries 

• The fishing industry has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The closure of hospitality businesses at home and lockdowns across Europe reduced export opportunities as well as domestic demand

• We need to promote a strengthened local and regional supply chain which supports the whole chain including the processors and merchants

• The future development of the sector in Plymouth is being held back by the current infrastructure – there is a need to urgently drive forward the remodelling of Plymouth Fish Quay and Market

• Plymouth must be enabled to derive optimum benefit from fishing opportunities following the UK’s exit from the EU

Supporting the sector to access public and other local bulk procurement contracts

Review the quota and other fishing opportunity needs of the vessels landing to Plymouth and appraise the potential gains and risks arising when the UK leaves the CFP UK’s departure from the EU.