Neil Auchterlonie has been named the new chair of Seafood 2040, an ongoing, long-term program aimed at helping England’s seafood industry realize its full potential. Taking up the role on 1 May, Auchterlonie replaces the program's inaugural chair, Alison Austin.
The Seafood 2040 Strategic Framework was created in 2015, following the establishment of a task force representing all sectors of the seafood sector in England. It is facilitated by public body Seafish, funded by the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF), and supported by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and England’s seafood industry.
“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. In light of this, we are pleased to announce that Neil Auchterlonie has been appointed as the new chair for the Seafood 2040 program,” Seafish CEO Marcus Coleman said, announcing the appointment. “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 was most recently employed as technical director for IFFO, The Marine Ingredients Organization. As well as roles with DEFRA, Cefas, and the Environment Agency, his background also includes production and technical roles in aquaculture, and work as a consultant. He has served as a member of the Seafish Science Advisory Group and has also contributed to Seafish Corporate Plans through the sector panels.
“I’m pleased to be taking on the role of chair for Seafood 2040 and I’m looking forward to leading the program to develop the seafood industry in England, hopefully maintaining the momentum that has been built up by Alison, the SILG (Seafood Industry Leadership Group), and the ALG (Aquaculture Leadership Group),” Auchterlonie said. “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.”
Photo courtesy of Seafish
