Last updated at 20:08, Thursday, 02 August 2012

An event was held to highlight what has been a much neglected aspect of West Cumbrian business.

It was aimed at raising the profile of our local fishing industry and maintaining jobs.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s sustainable seafood project brought together people keen on safeguarding the local fishing industry with others who see its potential as part of a unique marketing opportunity.

For years the fishing industry has been on its knees, but moves to boost West Cumbria as a tourist destination can only help it.

Cumbria has some of the finest restaurants and catering in the country, with a great seafood resource on the doorstep.

If people want locally sourced fish, as opposed to something imported which has been stored in a freezer for months, then they should be able to have it.

The concept fits neatly into a wider project to market West Cumbria as a food and drink destination.

Next month’s Taste Cumbria festival, in Cockermouth, is growing in stature each year.

Some big names in cookery will gather here to help us showcase the area’s food and drink industry.

Food producers, caterers, restaurateurs and tourism chiefs are beginning to see an opportunity to work together and create a lucrative local brand.

It certainly gives our business sector something to bite on.

First published at 19:21, Thursday, 02 August 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk