With fundamentally important scientific questions and issues to be tackled in the coming years, Cefas have launched a new Fisheries International Centre of Excellence (ICoE) which aims to become the international go-to source of advice for successful fisheries management.

The key objectives of the Centre will be to advance, apply and share expertise in fisheries science and advice to further fisheries sustainability; showcase and strengthen Cefas’ end-to-end and quality-assured support for successful fisheries management; and provide a focus for ongoing technical support and guidance to meet the needs of partner institutions and countries.

Defra Chief Fisheries Science Advisor said that “As we enter the UN Decade of Ocean Science and this marine ‘Super Year’, the need for excellent fisheries science and advice is more apparent than ever, both in the UK and overseas. The requirement for impartial, robust, evidence-based advice relating to both target and bycatch species is crucial as society seeks to ensure the sustainable management of our fishery resources, the livelihoods of our fishing and coastal communities, and the health and diversity of the life under water.”

The newly appointed ICoE Fisheries Director Dr Jim Ellis added “Our mission is to provide essential fisheries expertise and capability for HM Government and help ensure that the UK meets fisheries responsibilities as an independent coastal state. We aim to strengthen critical links between fisheries monitoring, data, resource assessment and advice. Through the Centre we will increase the scale and impact of Cefas’ fisheries science; providing a recognised target for investment and opportunities for focused career development in fisheries science.”  Click here.