Brixham Fish Market has recently announced that 2021 saw the fishing port’s best year on record, with sales topping £43.5 million. As the most valuable fishing port in England and Wales, Brixham’s record sales are a sign that the sector is thriving despite negative reports following Brexit. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic and the UK’s new relationship with the EU, the value of fish landed in Brixham in 2021 was over £3 million higher than the previous record from 2017.
Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes and South Devon, describes Brixham as one of the jewels in the crown of his constituency. A vociferous supporter of the sector, Mr Mangnall regularly speaks up for the fishing industry and spent a weekend on board a Brixham Trawler last autumn to gain first-hand experience of life at sea.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs recently launched the two remaining pillars of the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, one focussing on infrastructure and the other on skills and training. This funding offers the opportunity for Brixham Fish Market and other ports in South Devon to expand further, by developing their harbours and encouraging future generations to explore a career in this highly skilled sector.
Barry Young, Managing Director, Brixham Trawler Agents said:
“2021 saw a record year for the world famous Brixham Fish Market. Despite the pandemic and rumours around the impact of Brexit we have seen both our sales to domestic markets and exports to the EU increase nicely. With over £43.5m worth of sales taking place in 2021, we are expecting 2022 to be an even bigger year.
The combination of life outside of the EU and the pandemic has ensured that we have diversified our markets and looked to new opportunities. From increasing our domestic market sales to being well prepared for any bureaucratic changes, Brixham Fish market has shown that there is a positive story to tell and it is well reflected in these record sales numbers.
We are looking to see Brixham build upon this success and with some extra investment from the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme and Levelling Up Fund, we can continue to support this noble industry and this historic coastal community.”
Anthony Mangnall MP for Totnes and South Devon
“Brixham is an important indicator into the health of the fishing industry. Brixham Fish Market’s 2021 record beating sales numbers paint a positive picture about the health of the industry and its potential to thrive over the coming years. The fishing community in Brixham and the Brixham Trawler Agents have worked incredibly hard to create new opportunities and ensure that this coastal community would continue to thrive throughout the pandemic.
Despite the doom mongering about life outside of the European Union, we have a clear example that shows the opportunities and the benefits that can be found through the UK as an independent trading nation.
I am proud to represent the hard-working fishers of Brixham and I am doing all I can to help secure further investment into this port and the industry through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme and the Levelling Up Fund. Both funds will help us to increase the size and capacity of the fish market helping us to achieve record sales year-on-year.”
