Decision Details

Implemented

Renaissance of East Anglia Fishing (REAF) Strategy

ES/0157

No

Committee

Cabinet

Tue 1 Oct 2019

No

Report of the Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development

To endorse the draft REAF strategy.

To delegate responsibility for any subsequent minor changes to the strategy to the Head of Economic Development and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet member for Economic Development.

Subject to DEFRA’s agreement, work in partnership with REAF to progress the strategy’s recommendations, supports the creation of the new REAF group in line with the strategy and also supports the group’s efforts to secure external funding to progress implementation of the strategy.

Economic Development & Regeneration

Not Applicable

Paul Wood, Head of Economic Development & Regeneration

Jason Berry, Economic Development Manager

Not applicable

No

1. That the draft REAF strategy be endorsed. 

2. That responsibility for any subsequent minor changes to the strategy be delegated to the Head of Economic Development and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development.

3. That Cabinet, subject to DEFRA’s agreement to work in partnership with REAF to progress the Strategy’s recommendations, supports the creation of the new REAF group in line with the Strategy and also supports the Group’s efforts to secure external funding to progress implementation of the strategy.

The UK’s withdrawal from the CFP presented a potential opportunity for future significant growth in the UK fishing industry. More locally there was an opportunity for Lowestoft to reposition itself as a regional hub for all aspects of the fisheries supply chain and by endorsing this strategy and the recommendations within it ESC and the REAF partnership could begin to influence government policy so that such opportunities could be realised. This would then further complement the ambitious growth and development plans ESC had for the port based around the offshore energy and marine sectors.

The other option would have been to not endorse the strategy. To do so would have meant that the local fishing industry, the district and wider region could miss out on significant business and employment growth and Lowestoft could lose the opportunity to re-establish itself as a major regional fishing hub.

None.

None.