Seafish welcomes new Deputy Chair

Marine ecologist, Professor Michel Kaiser, has been appointed to the role of interim Deputy Chair of the Seafish board until March 2012, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Seafish.

Professor Kaiser will work closely with interim Chair John Whitehead in the period leading up to the Supreme Court case relating to Seafish levy in 2011.

Mr Whitehead said: "I'm delighted that Michel has been appointed as deputy chair. Michel has already served more than two years as a board member and brings to the post a wealth of knowledge on fisheries and the marine environment."

In addition, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Ministers in the devolved administrations have also announced that Mr Chris Pomfret has been appointed as an interim independent member of the Seafish Board until 31 March 2012. Mr Pomfret has held senior roles at key companies in the food industry, including Birds Eye.

Extensions for four other Seafish Board members have also been announced. Mr Whitehead's term as interim Chair of the Seafish Board has been extended to 31 March 2012; and the appointments of Mrs Linda Cross and Mr Mike Park have been extended until 31 March 2012. Mr Iain MacSween's term has been extended until December 2011.

Seafish Chief Executive, Dr Paul Williams, said the new appointments will ensure stability for Seafish over the period leading up to the Supreme Court case.

"With the Board appointments confirmed, we can continue to serve the industry over the winter months. We have already confirmed a work programme for this period and will be playing an active role in the industry, including selecting projects for our Industry Project Fund."

For further information, contact:

Kate Doran

Marketing Communications Executive

Tel: 0131 524 8652 or k_doran@seafish.co.uk