
Tony Delahunty
Chairman of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (NFFO)
Tony is a West Sussex based fisherman who was appointed as Chairman of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) in May 2014. He has more than 40 years’ experience in the fishing industry, and is also Chairman of the NFFO’s South East Committee.
He is both owner and skipper of an under 10 metre fishing vessel, operating out of Selsey, predominantly targeting whitefish and shellfish, such as crab. His current boat, the Robert Louise, is manned by himself, his son, and one other crew member. Tony is committed to safeguarding the future of the fishing industry and is keen on utilising sustainable methods, such as escape hatches on the lobster and crabs pots, which allow immature shellfish to escape.
Europe lands 40,000 tonnes of brown crab every year. The market share of crab sourced from UK waters is estimated at 50 per cent, however, much of this is exported to France and Spain. Half the UK population eat seafood at least once a week with the top three choices being cod, haddock, and salmon. Tony believes in the importance of diversifying with alternative local produce, such as crab, which could provide a healthy and sustainable food source.