SEAFISH, the public body that supports the UK seafood industry to thrive, has started formal consultation with its levy payers and the wider seafood industry on proposals for a new levy model.  

Levy is due on the first sale of seafood, both domestically landed and imported, in the UK. It is not charged on farmed salmon, trout, and freshwater fish species because these species are excluded by primary legislation. Nor is it currently charged on canned, bottled and pouched seafood products.  

The levy collected is used by Seafish to provide support, advice and services across the whole UK seafood supply chain.  

During the Seafish Strategic Review in 2021, the seafood industry recognised the need for a review of the levy system given it had not changed since 1999. There was general agreement that an improved levy model was needed to ensure Seafish had a stable financial model and could continue to provide the support industry needs, now and into the future.  

The Seafish Board held informal consultations with the seafood industry in spring 2023 on proposed changes to the levy system. In December 2023 the Board released a response to the Informal Consultation which set out how it had considered the feedback received from stakeholders and had revised the package of levy amendments in response.  

The Seafish Board is now holding the statutory consultation on the proposed changes. The consultation will be open for twelve weeks until Friday 9 August.  

Seafish is collecting feedback via an independent online survey and anyone with an interest in the Seafish levy as well as the wider seafood industry are invited to respond. They will also be hosting a series of webinars for stakeholders interested in learning more about the proposed changes. 

Information on the consultation, which consists of the Formal Consultation Paper (available in Welsh and English), the draft Regulation, and an Economic Impact Assessment can be downloaded from the Seafish website here.  

The proposed changes to the Seafish levy include: 

• The current sea fish levy rate of 0.903p/kg will be increased to 1p/kg. This will be renamed the “Category 1” levy. 

• The current levy rate that applies to mussels, cockles, and pelagic fish (as defined in regulation) will increase from 0.258p/kg to 0.5p/kg over a three-year period.  
• The current levy rate for whelks will increase from 0.4515p/kg to 0.5p/kg 
• The levy for mussels, cockles, pelagic fish (as defined in regulation) and whelks will be renamed the “Category 2” levy.   
• The levy rates for manufactured fishmeal and ‘fish destined for’ fishmeal will also increase, as follows: 

• Manufactured fishmeal will increase from 0.175p/kg to 0.315p/kg.   
• Fish destined for fishmeal will increase from 0.035p/kg to 0.05p/kg.    

• For the first time levy will apply to canned, bottled, and pouched seafood products, for those species within the scope of the levy. 
• The levy for all seafood and seafood products would be adjusted annually, subject to a cap on the annual adjustment of 2%.  
• Minor changes to the administration of the levy to make collection and payment more efficient. 

Mike Sheldon, Chair of the Seafish Board, said:  “After our informal consultation last year, we have taken industry feedback on board and made further revisions to refine the proposed levy adjustments. It is our priority to make the levy fit for purpose, fairer for all and ensure we can continue to deliver the support industry have told us they need, now and in the future.  

While we appreciate that the seafood industry is under financial pressure, our proposed changes strike a good balance, minimising impacts on the industry while allowing us to effectively support the seafood sector as an organisation. 

This consultation is an important step in shaping a levy that better serves our stakeholders.” 

Once this formal consultation process ends Seafish will make formal recommendations to government, and these will be considered by relevant Ministers across the UK Government and the Devolved administrations. There is not a timeframe for when Ministers will reach a decision yet, but businesses will have as much notice as possible before any changes come into effect so that they can plan ahead.    

Any queries about the consultation should be sent to [email protected] 

DRAGON LNG has announced the launch of an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for its 9 Bcm/a capacity, set to be available from September 2029.

Operational since 2009, Dragon LNG is one of three LNG terminals in the UK and has been integral to the nation’s energy security. The terminal has received over 300 cargoes, handling up to 25% of the UK’s winter LNG imports in recent years.

The terminal is known for its flexibility and reliability, boasting an impeccable safety record. Capacity holders can access the liquid National Balancing Point (NBP) and Title Transfer Facility (TTF) hubs, expanding their market reach. Situated on the largest estuary in Wales and one of the deepest natural harbours globally, Dragon LNG can accommodate vessels up to 217,500 cubic metres. It features two storage tanks with a combined capacity of 320,000 cubic metres. The terminal can send out up to 298 GWh per day (or 25.6 million cubic metres per day) of natural gas. Since the commissioning of its reliquefaction plant in 2018, which prevents boil-off losses during storage, Dragon LNG offers a ‘zero send-out’ product, enhancing value and flexibility for customers.

Dragon LNG is also advancing its commitment to sustainability. Following the successful installation of renewable electricity generation capacity, the terminal aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2029. This initiative will lower the carbon intensity of LNG processed through the terminal, reducing associated carbon costs.

The EOI process will remain open until Monday, 1st July 2024. Interested parties can express their interest by completing the form available at www.DragonLNG.co.uk/2029capacity-EOI.

Based on the feedback received, Dragon LNG plans to hold a capacity auction in the winter of 2024/25, pending regulatory approvals.

For further information and discussions regarding this opportunity, interested parties can contact the team at [email protected].

THE Welsh Government has made funding available of up to £10,000 for micro, small and medium- sized businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector to help with running costs.

The Welsh Government Future Proofing Fund is designed to help businesses invest in renewable energy sources, carry out any improvements to business premises and upgrade systems or machinery to reduce energy use. The £20 million funding will help around 2,500 businesses across Wales to strengthen their trading position, increasing profitability.

Businesses must meet the below criteria to be considered for this funding:

• Be located in Wales and employ people in Wales
• Employ between 1 and 249 people
• Have been trading before 1 April 2023
• Operate from a property with a rateable value between £6,001 and £51,000
• Either own or leasing the business premises on a minimum 3-year lease, extending beyond 1 April 2026

Carmarthenshire County Councils Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented: “The Council welcomes this grant funding which will ensure that micro, small and medium sized businesses are supported finically. I encourage these business owners to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for funding to significantly increase their profitability and success”.

Applications are now open.

To check your eligibility, please visit: Welsh Government Future Proofing Fund | Business Wales

To see what other opportunities grant funding can offer your business, please visit Carmarthenshire County Councils UK Shared Prosperity Fund business pages for more information.