RiseUp: New collaborative research project receives ESRC funding to investigate the resilience of the UK seafood system in response to disruption caused by COVID-19
23 July 2020
Many seafood businesses in the UK have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and face extraordinary challenges in continuing to produce, process and supply food to the public.
Drs Maria Sharmina and Rebecca St. Clair are collaborating with researchers at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS, lead partner) and Seafish (a Non-Departmental Public Body) on the RiseUp project, to conduct research into the impacts experienced and adaptive measures adopted by UK seafood businesses.
RiseUp is an 18 month project that works with industry stakeholders to document responses to the challenges caused by the pandemic and to explore pathways to resilience at the system and business level. RiseUp will outline areas for immediate action and inform strategic changes to support the resilience of the UK seafood industry in the face of future shocks.
A mixed-method approach consisting of interviews, surveys, computer modelling and case studies draws on the skills and expertise of the multi-disciplinary research team. Researchers at The University of Manchester are responsible for the work package that investigates business model adaptation, resilience and circularity through the analysis of in-depth business case studies.
Due to the urgent nature of the topic, preparation for data collection will begin immediately. We are interested in hearing about the experiences of UK fisheries and aquaculture operators, seafood processors, upstream supply chain, logistics, wholesalers, retailers and foodservice businesses (including fishmongers and restaurants).
Please contact the Sofia Franco, the project lead (sofia.franco@sams.ac.uk) if you would like to share your experience of how COVID-19 has affected your seafood business and how you are responding to the crisis. Any business information shared with the team will be fully anonymised and will only be used in the study with your explicit consent, in full compliance with ethical standards.
RiseUp aims to support a more resilient UK seafood system, providing policy-relevant recommendations and advice to stakeholders. Further information can be found at the link below:
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