The Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association, FIFCA, Secretary James Bates said the sector faced difficulties and increased costs in the logistical and operational areas of the fishing businesses.
The impact of Brexit on the Falkland Islands' fishing industry could be “significant” according to the fishing industry, contradicting lawmaker MLA Roger Spink’s view in last week's Penguin News that there were measures that could be undertaken to mitigate the impact of potential tariffs.
The Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association, (FIFCA) hosted a reception at the Historic Dockyard Museum in Stanley on Thursday the 31st May to launch their new website and promotional video. In attendance were invited guests that included HE the Governor Mr Nigel Phillips CBE along with Members of the Legislative Assembly, representatives of the Falkland Islands Government Fisheries Department, FIFCA members as well as the local media and press outlets.
The Falkland Islands fisheries sector was invited to Rhode Island, USA earlier this month in order to present the Islands’ success story of data-sharing between the industry and the local fisheries department.
The Falklands fishing industry has encountered the highest Loligo squid catch for 16 years, however, this could negatively affect the price for the industry.
The Falkland Islands new Fisheries Department building adjacent to the Agriculture Department was officially opened by the Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Jeremy Browne during his recent visit to the Islands.
The Falkland Islands fishing industry is taking steps are to establish a licensed fishery for grenadier for an initial period of three years. In 2009 the option of converting the grenadier fishery from exploratory status to an ITQ fishery was considered, but not progressed.