Value of Cornwall’s seafood economy and contribution to tourism revealed

The importance to the economy of Cornwall’s seafood sector has been revealed in a new report.

New figures show Cornwall is home to more seafood restaurants than anywhere else in the country outside of London.

According to an independent research report, 16% of Cornwall’s table-service restaurants (not including fish and chip shops) specialise in seafood.

The report was commissioned by the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation to determine the true value of seafood to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Overall, the sector contributes £174 million to the county’s total gross value added.

Chris Ranford, CEO of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, said: “The results of this report are outstanding. We always knew the importance of fishing to Cornwall, but this provides the socio-economic evidence to back it up, inform decision-making and attract strategic investment into the industry.

“The symbiotic relationship between fishing, hospitality and tourism is completely unique to Cornwall. It’s something we can all be proud of and make sure we’re protecting and enhancing for future generations.”

Around 8,000 people in Cornwall work in seafood, according to the report.

That means for every Cornish fisherman at sea there are 15 more jobs on shore – five of those are also linked to tourism.

The research was commissioned by the CFPO following the publication of their Cornish Fishing Strategy in 2021.

Its aim was to refocus the strategic vision for the Cornish seafood industry post Brexit.

Four key areas of action were highlighted; science & sustainability, ports infrastructure, recruitment & retention and communications & marketing.

It’s expected the findings from the ‘Value of Seafood to Cornwall’ research will better inform regional and national decision-making and help drive strategic investment into Cornwall’s seafood sector.

This article first appeared on Business Cornwall.