Achieving sustainable territorial development through the creation of short supply chains in the fisheries sector

This studentship explores the formation of short supply chains in
fisheries, drawing on case study research of Fisheries Local
Development Areas in England, experimental research into
consumer self-connection with fishing communities and, with
support of the European Commission's 'Fisheries Areas Network'
(FARNET), a survey of international experience throughout the EU.
The studentship will contribute to the broader theory and practice of
short food supply chains as well as the integration of sectoral and
territorial approaches to local development. The research considers
the extent to which the creation of short fisheries supply chains may
not only serve to instigate new and sustainable territorial markets
and supplier-buyer-consumer relationships, but also reconnect
coastal communities with the fishing sector at numerous points
along the supply chain. How supply chains will adapt in response to
Brexit is a major issue, making the study extremely relevant and
timely. Moreover, as policies are reformulated through Brexit, it will
be necessary to find an optimum relationship between territorial and
sectoral development approaches, a critical issue for the UK's new
Industrial Strategy. The research will also provide a first academic
study to inform the European Commission as it reflects on lessons
from 10 years of Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund and considers
future programme development, as well as UK policy makers as they
contemplate fisheries development measures post-Brexit. Finally,
the studentship builds on externally funded research, stakeholder
collaboration and established supervisory expertise, and enhances
ongoing impact case study work on food supply chains and fisheries
policy.