Agenda item

Resolution of the Energy and Sustainability Sub (Policy & Resources) Committee and a report of the Town Clerk (copy attached).

Members received a resolution from the Energy and Sustainability Sub Committee (ESSC) in respect of the Sustainable Fish City Campaign.  In respect of Resolution (b) in the report, the Chairman felt that this was not within the remit of the Markets Committee.  There was a general agreement that the Billingsgate fish merchants should be encouraged to support the campaign but could not be forced to do so; it was very much a commercial decision for each merchant to take.  Members were interested in receiving more information on sustainable fish and the Sustainable Development Officer agreed to provide this.

Members noted that the European Union was currently reviewing its Common Fisheries Policy and was keen to ban discards.  Members agreed that the matter should be referred to the Policy and Resources Committee.

RESOLVED, that:

The Markets Committee note that the ESSC had committed the City to supporting the Sustainable Fish City initiative and, while not being in a position to force the Billingsgate fish merchants to support the pledge, would encourage them to do so.  The Committee did not see any need to report back to the ESSC.

[Post meeting note:  The Director of Markets & Consumer protection has written to the Chairman of the London Fish Merchants Association to reflect the Committee’s views.]