Seafish levy review concludes

The Chair of the Seafish Board has received a written response from the Minister of State on behalf of Seafish’s four government sponsors on proposals to change the rate and remit of the Seafish levy.

This letter confirms that they have unanimously concluded that this is not the right time to amend the Seafish levy. Within the response, the Minister notes that government bodies across the UK are taking steps to cut public spending and reduce burdens on industry, and that the proposals did not garner sufficient support from enough of the sector.  

This decision comes at the end of a lengthy review and consultation process. The Seafish Board carried out a Strategic Review of Seafish in 2021 in collaboration with the four UK Government Administrations. This identified a need to review the remit and rate of the Seafish levy, which has not changed since 1999.

The Seafish Board carried out an informal consultation on the Seafish levy in 2023, and a formal statutory consultation was undertaken last summer. The Seafish Board then submitted proposals to Government in late 2024.   

In response to the decision Mike Sheldon, Chair of the Seafish Board, said:  

“Throughout the Seafish levy review and consultation period we have communicated with our stakeholders across the industry, and we would like to thank them for their participation and feedback during the process.   

“While it is disappointing that we are not able to secure changes to the levy at this time, we appreciate the challenging economic climate and the desire to reduce financial burdens on industry, and Seafish remains committed to supporting a thriving UK seafood industry with the resources we have available to us.   

“The extensive review and consultation process has allowed us to get a clear steer from industry on the areas where they need support from Seafish. This gives us a strong mandate to continue to deliver against the priorities reflected in our corporate and annual plans.   

“The Seafish Board will consider how to best allocate our support for industry going forward in light of the governments’ decision.”