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The Shellfish Association or ‘SAGB’ is the trade association for the UK shellfish industry. As such, it reflects the strength of its membership. It is now actively seeking to expand that membership because a stronger SAGB can be more influential, achieve more, and become a more powerful and unified lobbying voice. The intention is to ensure that the SAGB will continue to champion shellfish and shellfisheries with the conviction and passion it has done over the last century.
Origins of the SAGB
The SAGB is based at Fishmongers’ Hall in the City of London. First founded as the Oyster Merchants’ and Planters’ Association in 1903, and renamed the Shellfish Association of Great Britain in 1969, the Association has steadily extended its range of activities from “harvest to sale” in over a century of support to the industry.
What do we do?
Our aim is to assist and promote the sustainable development of the Shellfish Industry in the United Kingdom from ‘sea to plate’.
How can we assist you?
The answer to this seemingly short and simple question demands what may appear to be a long answer. This is because the Shellfish Association does so much – and a lot of it behind the scenes.
Representation
The Association represents the interests and views of the whole shellfish supply chain in a number of vital areas, for example the development and enforcement of legislation affecting the growing, harvesting, distribution and marketing of shellfish and the refinement of policies affecting all of these areas.
Because of the diverse, conflicting interests in the marine environment, representation of the shellfish industry involves regular contacts with a wide array of official and private bodies, including government departments and agencies, lobby groups and other fishing interests.
The work includes responding to consultations, attendance at meetings, collecting opinions and comments from those working in the industry, the dissemination of information to those who need it and pressing the ‘shellfish viewpoint’, sometimes forcefully. The Association is recognised as ‘the voice of shellfish’ by many people and organisations.
Mentoring and Guidance
The Association has many contacts throughout the shellfish industry and is uniquely placed to suggest sources of advice, the names of those who may be able to assist in particular fields, and possible sources of reliable information on special topics.
Promotional
The SAGB is the promoter of shellfish and the shellfish industry in the UK. As well as producing recipe booklets we have published a detailed science-based report covering the nutritional value of shellfish with data that has been used to develop species-specific nutritional ‘fact-sheets’ and a ‘myth-busting’ pamphlet on cholesterol in prawns.
One of our most applauded products is our UK oyster tasting guide which can be found in numerous oyster bars throughout the UK. This guide details the tasting notes for a variety of oysters and has been made into an iPhone app. In partnership with Graffeg we also produced The London Oyster Guide; the new definitive handbook supplied to over 150 restaurants, bars, markets, merchants, retailers and producers across the capital.
Spreading the news
Up-to-date and reliable information about everything the shellfish industry does and the natural, commercial and regulatory environment in which it operates could be described as our life-blood, which the Association is constantly collecting and assessing. That information comes from a wide range of sources – public and private laboratories, government departments & agencies and last, but not least, the projects that the Association has promoted and nursed to completion.
The next step is to distribute that information to those who need it. The Association sends a newsletter twice a year to members and others who request it. This is supplemented by regular e-newsletters informing members of major developments, events, news and marketing opportunities.
Getting the facts
The Association is dedicated to the discovery and use of proper science-based information relating to all aspects of the shellfish industry. This involves the identification of projects that advance our knowledge on issues that affect the marine environment, the way in which the industry operates within that environment, the harvesting or cultivation of shellfish or aspects of the holding, distribution, sale or consumption of shellfish products.
And more
The Association conference at Fishmongers’ Hall has been an annual feature for over forty years. Delegates come from all over the world to network and hear a wide variety of speakers. The highlight is the Annual Dinner which features the best of UK shellfish often donated by our members, and is served in the unique ambience of the Hall and its surroundings.
View PDF Documents about SAGB Newsletters.
