Fisheries and aquaculture consultancy.

We offer specialist fisheries and aquaculture consultancy providing industry-specific support to organisations operating in these sectors. Our consultants bring in-depth knowledge and practical experience to help you improve operations and workforce development.

Why Choose RI Training?

RI Training was founded by Patrick McDaniel, who holds a degree in Fisheries Science from Plymouth Polytechnic and has a long-standing commitment to the fisheries sector. Since the early 1990s, Patrick has delivered fisheries development projects in both the UK and Africa — individually and through RI earning a respected reputation for his expertise and practical experience.

Over the past 35 years, RI has grown into a multi-purpose consultancy and training business, delivering a wide range of successful fisheries and aquaculture development projects. Our work has addressed critical needs across the sector, including:

• Infrastructure assessments
• Training needs analysis
• Standards and curriculum development
• Training resource creation
• Skills and strategy development

We have worked extensively with fishing communities throughout the UK — from Cornwall to the Shetland Islands — giving us valuable insight into both regional and national sector challenges.

Fisheries and Aquaculture training Consultancy

Our consultancy has focused on supporting fisheries and aquaculture through training-led initiatives. We have worked closely with the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish), contributing to the design and implementation of national training programmes. Notable projects include:

• The creation of the Seafish Online eLearning platform, which has supported the training of UK fishers for over 20 years.
• Development of training materials for the Under 16.5m Fishing Skipper’s Ticket and New Entrant programmes for Fishers.
• Specialist resources introducing topics such as renewable energy and drug awareness for fishers.
• Creating a suite of learning materials to support the development of new entrants to the Aquaculture sector introducing the essential knowledge and skill required by those working in aquaculture sectors: Salmon, Trout, Mussels, Oysters and Scallops.

All learning content was developed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure relevance and practical impact.

At RI, we remain committed to supporting the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture through expert consultancy, research, and training. Whether you are launching a new initiative or seeking strategic support, we can help.

Fisheries research

In 2023, we welcomed Dr Patrick Coutin as an associate consultant. Dr Coutin brings 40 years of international experience in:

• Stock assessments for fish and crustaceans
• Aquatic habitat evaluation
• Fisheries management planning
• Scientific research and reporting

Dr Coutin has also held prominent roles within the Australian Society for Fish Biology, including President (2007–2009), fostering international collaboration through the World Council of Fisheries Societies.

In 2024 Dr Coutin’s first assignment for RI was a project researching the role of recreational angling in fisheries management. Select the link for a summary of the project findings:

Recommendations for a Better Sea Angling Strategy for Cornwall

At RI, we remain committed to supporting the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture through expert consultancy, research, and training. Whether you are launching a new initiative or seeking strategic support, we can help.