Mabon ap Gwynfor welcomed everyone to the meeting and shared apologies for the time that has lapsed since the previous meeting.

Minutes of the meeting held 29 June 2023 were approved.

Mabon ap Gwynfor proposed himself to continue as Chair, confirming that there were no alternatives proposed or objections raised.

Seafish were thanked for their services as Secretariat and will continue the role.

Jon Parker presented an update on behalf of Aquaculture Industry Wales. Topics noted include work on spiny lobster, research and activities being led by the SW Business Cluster, upskilling and attracting new entrants. Need parity in funding and a better understanding of the potential positive impact that collaboration between industry and research communities can have.

James Wilson explained how the Bangor cluster are on a different path but share the same values as AIW. Work continues with Bangor University, Seafish and other key actors to progress research and collaborate on the barriers, opportunities and benefits to increasing production. There is a need to re-establish secure and stable market access to balance supply with demand.

Aoife Martin shared a presentation outlining the work supporting the aquaculture sector that Seafish are progressing in Wales, alongside wider Seafish products and services of relevance. Key points included how:

·         James Wilson and Lewis Le Vay represent the Menai mussels industry in the Shellfish Stakeholder Working Group, which works on improving water quality to support the growth of the UK aquaculture industry;

·         The Menai Straits is being featured in work to increase understanding of ecosystem services and public good benefits, so that policy makers and consumers understand the potential;

·         Innovative uses for mussels are being explored to find ways to increase demand;

·         Seafish are working in collaboration with Cefas to expand the economic research and performance data that’s available; and

·         A ‘road map’ for a resilient Welsh seafood supply chain is in development, collating input from industry, academia and Welsh Government.

The Chair invited all attendees to share their comments and coordinated an open discussion on aquaculture in Wales. Key topics raised include the:

·         Growth opportunity presented by Recirculating Aqua. Systems (RAS);

·         Lack of funding and limitations of annual budgets;

·         Political agreements affecting EU market access;

·         Challenges presented by marine planning and spatial squeeze;

·         An improved Welsh Government governance structure around fisheries;

·         Opportunity for Wales to lead in some areas, with relatively small investment required.

·         Lack of a clear strategy for the Wales seafood industry, and the potential for the ‘roadmap’ mentioned above to provide welcome focus for action.

The Chair offered to send a letter on behalf of the CPG to raise the issues noted with Welsh Government and request a response. Attendees confirmed they would welcome this action. Everyone was invited to send details of key challenges they would like to be included in the letter by Friday 20 September to mabon.ap.gwynfor@senedd.cymru

The absence of Senedd Members attending this and previous meetings of the CPG was noted.

It was proposed that the next meeting agenda should include a presentation of ‘Our Seafood Future: A Road Map for the Welsh Seafood Supply Chain’.

Mabon ap Gwynfor thanked all for attending and their input into the discussion.

The meeting was closed.

Actions:

1.     Secretariat to share Aoife Martin’s presentation slides with attendees on request.

2.    Aoife Martin and Jack James to connect on work in North Wales exploring use of mussels as a sustainable ingredient for aquaculture feed.

3.    Attendees to send details of the key challenges they would like to see featured in the Chair’s letter to Welsh Government by Friday 20 September.

4.    Chair to provide available dates for the next meeting.