Aquaculture

Dorset Coast Forum has a rich history of engaging and working with the commercial aquaculture industry. In 2020, on the back of the successful Dorset and East Devon Fisheries Local Action Group programme the Dorset Mariculture Strategy was published and aims to provide a route for sustainable marine aquaculture development across Dorset.

Dorset Mariculture Strategy

The Dorset Mariculture Strategy’s Vision

“To have an industry-leading, highly productive aquaculture sector, driven by sustainable production practices and continuous innovation. A sector that delivers a resilient seafood supply chain, contributes to UK food security and brings substantial socio-economic benefits to coastal communities across Dorset”

Download the Dorset Mariculture Strategy here

Mariculture Careers

This animated film about Mariculture careers aimed at 11-14 year old students, is a collaborative project funded by BCP Council and created by Discover Science Christchurch designed to increase awareness and visibility of Mariculture.

Aquaculture Business Support

To find out more about the aquaculture industry in the local area you can visit the Dorset & Devon Aquaculture Website which highlights the diverse sector, helps guide new businesses through the process of setting up and obtaining licenses to operate and is home to the Dorset Aquaculture Spatial Planning Map.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) showcases investment opportunities across all that is best and unique about Dorset. The area can be at the forefront of tackling some of humanity’s biggest challenges, pioneering new approaches to healthy ageing, food production and climate change, including the ambition for Dorset being the aquaculture lead for the UK.

Download the Dorset Living Better Investment Prospectus to find out more

Dorset has been recognised by the Department for International Trade with the award of a High Potential Opportunity for Sustainable Aquaculture (HPO). The HPO, which is part of the support from the LEP, details investment opportunities and is intended to help attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Dorset. Find out more here

South West Aquaculture Network (SWAN)

Building on the Dorset, “High Potential Opportunity” and part of Maritime UK South West, the SWAN network exists to promote and develop aquaculture in the region. Find out more here

Oyster farmers at the Fleet Lagoon, harvesting oysters for market

Contact details

Dorset Coast Forum

dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

01305 224833

Dorset Coast Forum is currently assessing funding opportunities to provide a key point of contact within the team and hopes to have an officer in post in the future.

Photo credits: Butterfly Effect Films