What is Project UK?

Fishery Improvement Projects

A Fishery Improvement Project is a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to help fisheries work towards sustainability. Project UK has delivered two ‘Rounds’ of FIPs, comprising of six FIPs that cover the breadth of the UK and focus on eight different species.

Round 1

Project UK was launched in 2017, with four FIPs for five species in English waters.

Round 2

In 2019, Project UK expanded to include scallop and Nephrops fishing from around the UK.

Round 3

With Rounds 1-2 ending in 2024 after considerable progress and one becoming MSC certified, new fisheries are identified for Round 3

Pathway to Project UK

The FIPs run for a pre-determined timeline set by the Steering Group, based on the draft Action Plan and benchmarking and tracking tool, generally up to a maximum of five years. This timeline begins with a formal agreement of the Action Plan by the relevant Steering Group.

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Mapping Review fisheries suitable for Project UK based on stakeholder interest (3).png
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Funders

Governance

Steering Group

The first two Rounds of Project UK FIPs have now concluded.

Read the Summary Report (October 2024) for information on how each FIP progressed, and what the next steps are.

Previous Annual Reports can be found here.

 Photos by ©Tim Borrow (Image 1) and ©Nina Constable (Images 2-5). Film by ©Nina Constable