New Geographical Indication From the United Kingdom
The European Commission has approved the addition of a new product from the United Kingdom to the quality register of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The ‘West Wales coracle-caught salmon’ is salmon which has been caught using the ancient Welsh traditional method of coracle fishing. Due to its wild nature, this salmon does not contain any artificial additives and/or colourings.
It is fished in the rivers Tywi, Taf and Teifi in West Wales. Both the Tywi and Teifi rivers have been classed as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats Directive. Coracle fishing is an old craft and skill, recorded in the 11th century, that has survived into the 21st century — ‘a living tradition’.
Although coracles were once used extensively throughout Wales, they are now exclusive to the Taf, Tywi and Teifi. These three rivers are the only places in Europe where coracle fishing is still practised. The new denomination will be added to the list of over 1,380 products already protected.
