Wales' fishing industry is being encouraged to take part in a survey that will help shape the future of its largest fishing port.

The Port of Milford Haven is committed to strengthening the fishing industry at Milford Fish Docks as part of its £60 million Master Plan for the area around Milford Dock in Milford Haven. Redevelopment plans for the 'Fishing Zone' use the existing footprint to add new resources such as high standard storage and processing and a range of retail offers. The aim is to retain more of the catch landed at Milford Fish Docks so that seafood caught in Pembrokeshire can be processed here and promoted as a recognised Welsh brand, creating local job opportunities.

Kevin Hobbs, Short Sea director for the Port of Milford Haven, said that the Port recognises it as essential to develop the fishing zone facilities in line with the needs of those within the industry.

"We have to get this right, as things have been tried in the past and have not been successful," he said. "We have started a survey process that will gather views from a variety of sources, from local fishermen to end users of fish products in the hospitality and tourism industry. This will help us identify areas that can be developed into sustainable businesses that can support long-term jobs, giving a much needed boost for the local economy.

"Our Trust Port status allows us to be flexible in our response to new business and we hope to act as a catalyst to encourage diversification in the area's fishing industry."

There are two customer groups the Port is particularly keen to hear from - fishermen or fishing vessel owners throughout Wales; and those in the hospitality industry who use, or would like to use locally caught fish. To take part in either survey please visit http://www.milfordfishdocks.com/survey/">http://www.milfordfishdocks.com/survey/ and complete by today (Friday).

To add to its own investment, the Port is applying for funding through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) which provides a maximum of 60 per cent grant under Axis 2 for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

These surveys form part of a wider consultation process for the Port's overarching Milford Dock Master Plan which aims to create a unique waterfront destination in Milford Haven that stimulates economic growth and creates long-term local employment opportunities.