The key recommendations of the herring task force have been fully implemented. The quality training programmes for the dry-hold herring fleet and for the herring processing sector have been completed. The industry-led Herring Industry Marketing Group, which will develop and co-ordinate industry strategies to maximise returns to the herring sector and to act as a forum for dialogue and concerted action, has been established for some time. In this regard, of particular advantage has been the recent appointment of a pelagic market co-ordinator, recommended by the task force, who is now working with the industry on the ground to further develop market co-ordination and co-operative strategies for the herring industry.
A key recommendation of the task force was that market research and fishing trials should be undertaken to identify new fisheries and optimum fishing times and opportunities for herring in terms of roe, maatje and fillet markets. These trials have been completed and the results are being examined.