Transport minister Mark Harper announces major amendments to the medical requiremnts for small boat fishermen today in Newlyn.

Following extensive consultation with the industry, the Government has listened and will waive the requirement for routine medical checks for fishermen on vessels measuring 10 metres and under. While the safety of fishermen remains the top priority, the Government is delivering this pragmatic change so that small-scale fishing businesses aren’t unduly forced ashore and financially burdened by the cost of medical assessments, allowing them to continue fishing without restriction. Small-scale fishing businesses, represent over 80% of UK registered fishing vessels. 

Announcing the news this morning, transport secretary Mark Harper along with St Ives MP Derek Thomas and S East Cornwall MP Steve Double, toured the quays talking with with harbourmaster Jonathon Poynter and harbour commissioner Rob Wing before attending a meeting with industry members. 

Transport Secretary Mark Harper minister held his hands up and admitted they had got it wrong first time round and that he was hoping to hear approval from the industry during the course of the meeting for the relaxation of the rules. 

He said: “This Government backs our fishing industry, which is why we have listened to fishing communities and are easing the burden on small-scale fishermen to make sure they can continue their work unhindered. “Our fishing sector will be able to continue operating safely, protected by our world leading safety standards, while supporting the UK fishing industry that forms the backbone of so many coastal economies.  Vessels of 10 metres and under form a vital part of the UK’s fishing industry, and today we’re taking action to ensure those who work on them will not face the cost of medical assessments."

To that end, handliner Tim Pullen who works a punt from Mousehole, told of his first-hand experience of the current legislation - that of fishing singlehanded without any problems despite having had a heart by-pass years ago - Tim was also keen to seed that, in line with other EU states, that Under10m fishermen should be exempt from medical requirements. With this landmark decision, the government has also widened the eligibility criteria. Initially, during the consultation phase, the government proposed that fishermen on vessels of 10 metres and under must have worked for a minimum of 4 weeks in the year before the regulations took effect. However, recognising the potential for exclusion due to factors such as illness, the government has extended the time limit to 2 years.

Paul Trebilcok, Chris Rainford and Nathan De Rozarieux, on behalf of fishermen and industry organisations put their message across, while applauding the MCA and MMO for having listened to the small boat sector and responding in such a positive way they did, however, stress the apparent dis-connect between the relevant government departments and their inability to act in a timely fashion with regard to enforcing rules and regulations - especially in the case of small singlehanded boats who can ill afford to be tied up against the quay for weeks and weeks while the MMO or MCA labour over processing work to be carried out or rules to be complied with. 

Chris Ranford from the CFPO that represents the majority of small boat fishermen in Cornwall said he was pleased with the result, particularly because the initial legislation had had such a devastating impact on many fishermen who thought that their lives were being turned upside down and in some cases, ruined, for no good reason. He largely supported the idea that newcomers would be subject to more stringent rules but happy to hear that grandfather rights were effectively being bestowed on those who had been at sea for years fishing without any issues despite their existing and well managed medical conditions. he also stressed the economic and social benefit to the UK of fishing - citing a recent report that showed 15 jobs were supported ashore for every one fishermen at sea.

Earlier, while walking around the harbour with the Mark Harper, local MP Derek Thomas took the opportunity to press the case for supporting major investment in Newlyn. High on the priority list is the development of Sandy Cove for deep-water berthing and services to support an ever-increasing number and size of visiting vessels along with alternative road access - Newlyn saw nearly 30,000 tons of fuel and fish alone transported by road last year through the narrow streets.

Here is a summary of the Medical Exemption

Key Points from the Consultation Outcome Report on Medical Exemption for Existing Fishers on Vessels of 10 Metres and Under: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) conducted a public consultation from January 16, 2024, to February 27, 2024, regarding Medical Exemption for Existing Fishers on Vessels of 10 Metres and Under.

• The consultation proposed an exemption from specific regulations for existing fishers on fishing vessels under 10 metres in length, as per the Merchant Shipping (Work in Fishing Convention) (Medical Certification) Regulations 2018.

• The exemption does not apply to vessels of 24 metres or more in length or to vessels staying at sea for more than three days, as per the Work in Fishing Convention.

• The objective of the exemption is to support existing fishers in the UK fishing industry, reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses, and ensure safety while maintaining continuity in fishing operations.

• Responses from the consultation were categorised to identify key messages and underwent peer review for analysis.

Overall, the report highlights the balance between supporting fishers' needs, industry requirements, and safety considerations within the fishing sector.

An 'M' notice was issued today given the full details of the exemption being introduced.

For any other fishermen needing medical here is a link to a list of GPs across the UK.

What's all the fuss about the MMO's new CatchApp? All revealed on this morning's Farming Today on Radio4.

The innocuously named Catch App is a new smart phone app being introduced by the Marine Management Organisation - the Government body which regulates the seas around England. 

All skippers of England's 2100 fishing boats under ten metres long, are being asked to record the species and weight of fish they catch.

*According to the latest government figures for January 2020, there are 4,140 fishing vessels registered Under10m - of those, 2,237 are under7m.

The Government says the information will be used to monitor fish stocks and help make fishing sustainable for the future. But fishermen and women say the new recording is complicated and one small mistake could turn them into criminals.

With the MMO declining to put on a spokesperson to talk on behalf of them with regard to the CatchApp it is down to Jerry Percy, fisherman and chairman of NUTFA (New Under Ten Fishermans Association), an organisation created to support the Under10m fleet to explain why the app has sparked such a strong reaction.

Fishermen with experience of CatchApp can record their feelings here:

You can catch the entire Farming Today programme here:

Catch Recording implementation begins today!

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After working with the fishing industry in a soft launch period for the last few months, under 10 metre catch recording has gone live with its phased implementation.

With months of testing and continuous feedback from volunteers that have been using the service day to day, we thought it would be best to share some of the best and most asked questions to come out of our sessions with industry and some tips on using the service they have found useful.

This project is an important part of our strategy to support the viability and growth of our fishing industry, as it will provide a better understanding of catch by the under 10 metre fishing fleet registered in England and Wales. Better data gathering will also provide better scientific evidence and lead to better decision making.

Questions

The biggest question that has been asked about the new catch recording service is ‘Are we expected to do this while at sea?'  The answer is 'no' however, there is one exception to this. If you are crossing the line between ICES areas 4c/7d or 7d/7e, you must submit a catch record for both ICES areas each time you leave/enter the area.

We have had a number of questions about digital accessibility and how this effects the catch recording service. If you don’t have access to the internet or a smart phone you could be classed as assisted digital, and can then phone in your catch to the contact centre before landing. However, you would have to register with the contact centre as assisted digital. There are a number of other ways to record your catch such as:

• You could telephone someone with access to their account to enter the catch online via the web before they land.
• You could retain the catch on-board (although you can land the non-quota, non-catch limit species), record the catch on a computer, then return to the vessel to land.

However, having a smartphone to enter your catch is by far the easiest of all the options. If you have limited reading /writing ability and difficulty using technology there is an assisted digital service that allows fishermen to ring the contact centre from a basic mobile phone (or landline for those that catch non-quota species).

It is important to remember that the 'record your catch' mobile application works whether you have signal or not, you will be able to record your catch when there is no signal and this will automatically be sent when a phone signal is detected.

The new service is going to change the way the fishing industry operates, making it more streamlined and easier for both industry and the MMO. We have been asked by industry to explain the changes that are going to affect them. You will not need to continue recording your shellfish catch using the MSAR1 form once you have started recording your catch using the electronic system, the new service will replace the MSAR1. You must complete and submit your current return up to the date of your first submission on the catch recording service.

Similarly, if you complete a paper logbook, for example when leasing quota, once you start recording your catch using the service you will no longer be required to do so. Under 10 metre vessels in membership of a Producer Organisation that currently complete logbooks will continue to do so. It is key to remember that fishing vessels that are non-active do not have to sign up to the catch recording app. However, if you do go fishing commercially after the applicable date in the licence condition, you will need to register and record your catches.

Again this is similar to seasonal fishermen who cannot fish with weather conditions for weeks. You are not required to register if you are not fishing when you get the email invitation. However, if you do go fishing commercially, after the applicable date in the licence condition, you will need to register and record your catches.

Tips on using the service

Set up all your favourites during registration

Adding your gear, ports and species ahead of time will make using the service quicker and more straightforward.

Weighing the fish

Exact weights are not required in the Catch Recording service, estimates of live weights within 10% are all that is required. This makes it again quicker and easier for you to use the service.

Weight with decimal places

Weights are estimated so only whole numbers are valid. If you catch less than 1kg, you must round up to 1kg. Any weight above 1kg should be rounded to the nearest whole number, e.g. 3.2kg should be entered as 3kg, and 5.5kg should be entered as 6kg.

I can't find my species in the species list in the system

The species list is based on catches in UK waters in the last 10 years. Species are recorded under the FAO standard, the name used may be different from the local name, for example:

1. Grey Mullet - Mullets Nei (MUL)
2. Red Mullet - Surmullet (MUR)
3. Lesser Spotted Dogfish - Small spotted catshark (SYC)

Michael Coyle, MMO, Posted on:1 November 2019 - Categories:fisheries

Create and submit catch records for all English and Welsh under 10 metre (U10m) flag vessels that fish in UK waters.

The MMO are currently looking to trial catch recording for the Under 10m fleet. Here's what they say on their website:

Create and submit catch records for all English and Welsh under 10 metre (U10m) flag vessels that fish in UK waters.

(Please note this is a phased introduction and the service is being tested with invited fishers only.)

Overview

Use this service to create and submit catch records for all English and Welsh under 10 metre (U10m) flag vessels that fish in UK waters.

You can use this service if you are a:

• vessel owner
• skipper

If you are a member of a producer organisation you should not use the online record your catch service and should continue to record your catch using a paper logbook.

All U10m flag vessels need to record their catch. The information is used to help UK fishing authorities manage fishing levels in a sustainable way.

This service replaces:

• the NEP1 form
• the MSAR1 form, however, depending on your location, local IFCAs may require additional information
• the requirement to complete a log book when leasing fish quota and/or when fishing in 2 ICES areas (currently IV4/VIId and VIId/VIIe)

How to get an invite and register


How to get an invited

Vessel owners:You should receive an invite email. When you receive the invite email depends on your vessel size. You have one calendar month after receiving the email to register and start to use the service.

Skippers:To get an invite email contact the owner of the vessel you work on.

How to register

Vessel ownersWhen you register you’ll be asked to add the ports and gear you normally use and the species you catch for each of your vessels.

Adding this information before your trip makes it quicker to create a catch record. You’ll only need to do this once and you can change it in the future.

You can also add skippers to create catch records on your behalf.

Skippers

When you register you’ll be asked for your address and contact number.

What to record

• You must create a catch record for everything you catch on every fishing trip, even if you only catch one fish or shellfish.

• You’ll be asked for information about your trip and give estimates of the live weight of what you’ve caught. Your estimates must be within 10% of the actual weights in your sales note.

• Landed weights can be converted to live weights by multiplying them by a conversion factor.

• If you catch species with catch limits (quota) all sizes of fish must be recorded unless exemptions apply.

• You’ll be also asked for the area, the statistical sub rectangle, where the majority of your catch was caught.

ICES Sub Rectangle: North East


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ICES Sub Rectangle: East


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ICES Sub Rectangle: South East


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ICES Sub Rectangle: South


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ICES Sub Rectangle: South West


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ICES Sub Rectangle: North West


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ICES Sub Rectangle: Northern Ireland


This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

When to record your catch

• If you catch species subject to quotas or catch limits
• You must create a catch record before you move your catch off the boat
• If you catch species not subject to quotas or catch limits
• You must create a catch record within 24 hours of landing your catch.
• If you catch a mixture of species subject to quotas or catch limits and species not subject to quotas or catch limits
• You must create a catch record before you move your catch off the boat.
• If on the same trip you fish, or are present, in ICES area 4c and 7d, or 7d and 7e

You must create a catch record each time you cross the ICES boundary between these areas. You will need to use the apple or android app to create your catch record offline.

If you cross an ICES area while fishing

You must create a separate catch record for each ICES Area you have fished in. These must be created before you move your catch off the boat if you are catching quota species or species with catch limits, or within 24 hours of landing if you are catching only species not subject to quotas or catch limits. If you catch a mixture of species subject to quotas or catch limits and species not subject to quotas or catch limits, you must create the catch records before you move your catch off the boat.

Where to record your catch

You can record your catch on the web or you can download the Android or Apple app. The app allows you to record your catch in an area without a mobile signal.

You can get help to create a catch record if you do not have the appropriate access, skills or confidence to complete the service online.

Start recording your catch

You can only use this service if you are a:

• vessel owner of a licensed under 10 metre flag vessel skipper who has been given permission by a vessel owner of a licensed under 10 metre vessel

START NOW

Before you start

• You will need: to have already have an invite and be registered to use the catch recording service your email address and password to sign in

Get help

A contact centre will be available following the full launch of the catch recording service. Phones will be staffed from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. At other times, the contact centre will run an automated service and fishers will be able to leave catch records over the phone. The contact centre number and further details will be posted shortly.

Further information is available in questions and answers from the consultation.

Videos

These short videos provide step-by-step guides to the new service:

Prioritising changes in fisheries management after Brexit

Here's a great chance to contribute to helping the industry make the best possible case when lobbying the Government and in discussion with Defra and the MMO - get your thoughts, comments and ideas across by completing this short online questionnaire.


About the questionnaire

This questionnaire will contribute to better understanding which stocks/species the UK could prioritise in fisheries negotiations as an independent coastal state after the UK leaves the EU. We will be examining the distribution of UK fisheries and how that correlates with stocks, the issue of choke species and how much demand there is among UK fishermen for catching different species. Any individuals such as fishermen, fisheries managers and other members of fisherman’s organisations are encouraged to fill out this questionnaire, to help gather important and relevant insight. Summary results from the survey will be provided to relevant fisheries authorities (e.g. Defra, Marine Scotland) across the UK.

Result of this study

A summary report will be sent to Defra, Marine Scotland, Marine and Fisheries Wales and DAERA (Northern Ireland) and shared on the Fishing News Facebook page. It will also be available to other interested people on request. The results of the study will be used to provide recommendations for the future management of the fishing industry in the UK and inform debate around management after Brexit.

Confidentiality

The survey does not ask any personal identification questions and your responses will be treated in confidence. All analysed data will be identified by a code. Details will be kept on a secure computer and can only be accessed through google drive by the immediate research team used in data analysis. The University of York always ensures strict confidentiality.

Taking part

This is a voluntary questionnaire and no person is obliged to answer the questions. You may withdraw from the questionnaire at any time, this will not be used if not sent back to us. Please attempt to complete all applicable questions, this shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes.

Take the Questionnaire

If you have any questions or concerns about the research, or the questionnaire, you are welcome to contact either myself or my supervisor directly and we will respond.

My details: Jordan Cohen, jdc553@york.ac.uk

Project supervisor: Dr Bryce Stewart, bryce.beukers-stewart@york.ac.uk

Designed and funded by the University of York – May 2019

New Technical Conservation Regulation is being introduced this summer by the MMO,

Forthcoming rule changes which will affect the fishing industry MMO provides advance information on changes to regulations affecting the UK fishing industry.

The MMO is providing an update on the upcoming changes to fisheries regulations to enable the fishing industry to prepare.

What is happening?

A new technical conservation regulation is due to be introduced this summer.
This regulation aims to reduce capture of juvenile fish and to minimise
environmental harm. The technical conservation regulation that is now in force
was launched in 1998 and will be superceded by the new rules following a review last year.

The new technical conservation regulation is much less prescriptive than the one
it replaces. It has also been changed to take into account Landing Obligation
rules. The amendments to the regulation now make rules regional – these are by area such as North Western Waters (Union waters of ICES sub-areas V, VI and VII) or North Sea (Union Waters of ICES divisions IIa, IIIa and IV).
The main effect of this change is to allow fishermen to work more flexibly. For
example, mesh sizes are now “minimum” sizes and do not prevent fishermen
from using larger mesh sizes if they want to. However, in some fisheries
fishermen may be required to use more selective gear, such as adding a square
mesh panel to their net.

The text of the amended technical conservation regulation has now been agreed
by European Member States and is expected to come into force during the
summer of 2019.

The MMO will be producing and promoting public guidance for fisheries affected
by changes in these rules.

 The MMO promoted the change in Landing Obligation rules for 2019 last autumn.
New gear requirements were introduced in the Irish Sea from 1st January 2019.
However, changes in gear requirements for some fisheries in the Celtic Sea area
only come into force on the 1st July 2019.

We would therefore like to remind fishermen working in this area that they need
to be aware of these rule changes. Guidance on the new rules for the Celtic Sea
is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landing-obligation2019-rules-and-regulations, or you can speak to your local MMO office.

 The UK is currently working with other European countries to look at the possible introduction of “bycatch reduction plans”. Bycatch reduction plans are considered where zero catch (Total Allowable Catch) of a fish stock is recommended for a given year.

The aim of these plans is to reduce unavoidable bycatch and to help that stock to recover. Various measures to assist in reduction of bycatch are being considered and discussed with affected local fishing industry representatives. When these measures have been agreed, we will issue further communications on this.

What the Marine Management Organisation is doing

As explained in its compliance and enforcement strategy the MMO will provide
guidance and raise awareness of the rules as a first step to achieving compliance.

Work being carried out by the MMO so that it can support industry to understand and
comply with the changes includes:

- Working with the EC and Defra to gain understanding of the implications of legislation changes by location of fishing activity, sector and gear type
- Training staff so that they can provide advice and guidance to fishermen in person
- Working with fishing industry representatives to understand the best way to provide guidance to fishermen and help spread the word about the changes
- Producing tailored guidance and materials to help people understand how the changes may affect them
- Working with Devolved Administrations to send out clear and consistent information

Applications open for an English fully documented fishery

Applications open for an English fully documented fishery (FDF) scheme and include vessels fishing in the North East Nephrop fishery. Applications must be submitted by 14 June 2019. 28 May 2019.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking applicants for two schemes in 2019. These schemes are: North Sea Fully Documented Fisheries (FDF) and North East Nephrops Net Selectivity Scheme. Fully Documented Fishery (FDF) schemes have been run by the MMO since 2011. These schemes have demonstrated the effectiveness of Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) in reducing discards and encouraging more selective fishing behaviour. In addition, REM has proven to be a useful tool for gathering scientific data. Due to there being a preference for a UK wide approach, the MMO will not be offering Inter-Species Flexibility (ISF) as part of any English scheme this year. Further details of these schemes can be found here

North Sea Fully Documented Fisheries FDF scheme.

In return for participation in this scheme, vessels will be able to access additional quota for North Sea cod, saithe, haddock, whiting, turbot and brill. In addition, scientific quota may be available. The scheme will run from July 1st 2019 and will end on 31st December 2019. The aim of the scheme in 2019 is to demonstrate a Fully Documented Fishery and compliance with the Landing Obligation.

North East Nephrop Net Selectivity Scheme.

This is a new scheme for 2019. The scheme will be open to English vessels from the sector, non-sector and under 10m fleets, fishing in the North East Nephrop fishery. Additional quota from the reserve pool for Nephrops stocks will be made available for participant vessels. There may also be scientific quota available. The scheme will run from July 1st 2019 and will end on 31st December 2019. The aim of this scheme is to investigate the potential to reduce discard levels within the NE Nephrop fishery and encourage the use of highly selective nets to reduce the amounts of juvenile fish caught as a bycatch within the Nephrop fishery.

Fishermen urged to be Brexit ready by registering with the IMO

Advice on preparing for the introduction of International Maritime Organization (IMO) numbers as part of contingency planning.

Under European Commission (EC) contingency proposals to enable it to grant our fishing vessels access to European Union (EU) waters in certain circumstances after Brexit, UK boats will be required to be registered with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

While future access to fish in EU and other coastal State waters in the event of a no deal scenario remains a matter for negotiation, UK fishermen who want to prepare for all EU exit scenarios should apply for an IMO number now.

IMO registration is free and all UK fishing vessels will have to submit their IMO number to the Single Issuing Authority being established by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) - on behalf of the UK Fisheries Administrations - to manage licensing for commercial fishing in non-UKwaters.

Download the IMO registration application form. Fishing vessel owners should complete the form and send it to ship.imo@ihs.com.

When fishermen have received their IMO number they should email it to UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk along with their Port Letter and Number (PLN) and Registry of Shipping and Seamen (RSS) number.

Fishermen whose vessels already have IMO numbers should send the details to the MMO, via UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk, so accurate records can be maintained.

Consultation on the introduction of catch recording for licensed fishing vessels under 10 metres in length

The MMO are seeking views on the potential business impacts linked to the introduction of catch recording for all English and Welsh licensed fishing boats under 10 metres in length.

Why We Are Consulting

We want to know your views on how the introduction of catch recording requirements for under 10 metre vessels registered in England or Wales could potentially affect you and your business.

The change in the licence condition will apply to all English and Welsh licensed fishing vessels under 10 metres in length. Scottish licensed vessels already have a licence condition that mandates recording for the under 10 metre fleet and Northern Ireland will be seeking consultation responses at a later date.

The consultation is open to everyone. It will be of particular interest to owners and operators of licensed fishing boats under 10 metres in length licensed in England and Wales.

Closes 1 Apr 2019

Contact catchrecording@marinemanagement.org.uk

Marine Management Organisation (MMO)

Update on fishing for sea bass in 2019

Revised rules relating to fishing for sea bass apply from midnight 31 January 2019.

Fishing nets
Following the publication of the 2019 Total Allowable Catch Regulation in the official journal of the European Union, the revised rules relating to fishing for sea bass now apply.

Commercial fishing for seabass
Commercial fishing vessels are prohibited from fishing for seabass in ICES divisions 4b and 4c, and in ICES subarea 7 during 01 February to 31 March 2019. Commercial fishing from the shore, within these areas, is prohibited for the entirety of 2019.

Those commercial fishing vessels with authorisation to do so from the MMO may catch and retain bass during 1 April to 31 December 2019. The MMO will be writing to all fishing vessel owners who have a current authorisation to catch and retain bass and providing further guidance on our website soon.

Recreational fishing for seabass
Recreational fisheries, including from shore, in ICES divisions 4b, 4c, 6a, 7a to 7k are limited to catch-and-release only during 01 February to 31 March and 1 November to 31 December 2019. From 1 April to 31 October 2019, not more than one seabass may be retained per fisherman per day.

In recreational fisheries in ICES divisions 8a and 8b, a maximum of three seabass may be retained per fisherman per day.

Published 31 January 2019
From: Marine Management Organisation

MMO to introduce VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) for the Under 10m sector.

Silvery Sea is a typical Cornish Under10m vessel

The MMO says that with the help of fishermen at ports across the UK, it has developed an app that can be used on a smartphone, tablet or computer to record catches.

Michael Coyle, MMO head of compliance and control, said: “We have been testing the prototype with users, and we will continue to do so as we develop the service. The app is designed to be quick and easy to use, as we want to minimise additional work for fishermen to comply with licence conditions.

“The indications are that it takes just 90 seconds to record a single-species catch via the new app.

“Our aim is to support the viability of the fishing businesses by making fishing sustainable long-term. To do that, we need to better understand the full impact of fishing on stocks.

“Introducing a requirement for under-10m vessels – the majority of the fleet – to record their catch, both quota and non-quota, would give us a much clearer picture of how much fish we are taking from our seas. It would also enable us to act more fairly and efficiently to conserve stocks at levels that support sustainable fisheries in the future.”

A consultation is about to start so the MMO can better understand how catch-recording will affect the under-10s, with a view to launching the change in 2019.

Answering criticism that small fishing businesses already have enough to do without introducing even more reporting, Michael Coyle said, “We understand how hard fishermen and people in the industry work. Our aim is not to introduce more reporting for its own sake, but to support our plan to develop a sustainable fishing industry for the future.

“The new recording arrangements will reduce the paper burden on fishermen. The existing process will be replaced and there will be just one recording requirement, which can be done very quickly via a smartphone.”

DEFRA is already consulting on the introduction of vessel monitoring (iVMS) for the English inshore (under-12m) fleet, and plans a phased roll-out between April 2019 and June 2021. Scotland will introduce iVMS for the under-12s in 2020 (Fishing News, 18 October, ‘VMS for under-12m fleet’).

Michael Coyle said that combined with data from iVMS, the catch-recording information can be used to trial new ways of managing fishing opportunities. This should:

• Lead to fairer, more efficient fisheries management
• Protect the rights of fishermen
• Allow skippers to demonstrate their track record more easily
• Prove that the UK is taking appropriate steps to fish more sustainably, which is key to positive marketing for commercial fishing.
• The MMO says that fishermen and the industry are gearing up for a period of major change during the coming year, including Brexit, the discards ban, and new digital services from the MMO.

The consultation is expected to start early in January 2019.

NUTFA: ‘More questions than answers’

Commenting on the MMO proposals, New Under Ten Fishermen’s Association (NUTFA) leader Jerry Percy said there was no doubt that electronic vessel monitoring and catch reporting were coming for thousands of the UK’s under-10s.

“The MMO has not suggested any length cut-off point, to date, for smaller vessels, so all we can hope for is that it has a genuine consultation, listens to working fishermen, and recognises and reacts to the practical difficulties involved,” he told Fishing News.

“As ever, the devil will be in the detail, and the proposals already throw up many more questions than answers – not least, just why do small-scale guys need to record and report their catch before it leaves the boat? And just how are they supposed to gauge the weight of catch without scales, when the current system of supplying sales notes within 24 hours provides more accurate information?”

He said the MMO app promotion video makes reporting via smartphone look easy, using only three species – whereas the reality for many under-10s can be very different.

“Many will catch a variety of around 30 species, using a variety of gears and differing soak times, so the reporting process will take a great deal longer than the suggested few minutes.”

Referring to the linked plan to introduce VMS monitoring for the under-12m fleet (Fishing News, 18 October), Jerry Percy said one of the big issues for smaller boats is powering the iVMS kit.

“The MMO’s requirement for ‘type approval’ precludes the use of solar-powered equipment, despite its clear benefits for many under-10s. Past experience also illustrates the problems in getting kit fixed – and without a working iVMS, you will not be allowed to put to sea.

“Try explaining that to a small-scale fisherman who has to wait a week for a service engineer, when no type-approved supplier currently has a network of qualified engineers that can cover the entire country and guarantee a same-day service.”

He said that NUTFA and the Coastal PO – which have particular expertise in this field – will be ensuring that the voice of the under-10s, and common sense, prevail in the consultation process, and subsequently.

“UK officials are apparently confident that they are not envisaging any problems in the roll-out of iVMS to 2,380 vessels. What could possibly go wrong with a large-scale governmental computerised system… ?”

MMO - New catch-recording requirements explained

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In this post we aim to help skippers comply with the new catch recording arrangements, explain why they are being introduced and outline the benefits of the new system. 

Fishermen and the industry are gearing up for a period of major change during the coming year.

EU Exit, the imminent discards ban and new digital services from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) are among the top priorities for the industry.

As Head of Compliance and Control Michael Coyle is keen to explain the new catch-recording arrangements, which will apply to the inshore fleet.

Is recording catches going to be compulsory for the under-10m fleet?

The MMO is consulting on the introduction of catch recording for the under-10m fleet. Our aim is to support the viability of the fishing businesses by making fishing sustainable long term. To do that, we need to better understand the full impact of fishing on stocks.

Introducing a requirement for under-10m vessels (the majority of our fishing fleet) to record their catch, both quota and non-quota, would give us a much clearer picture of how much fish we are taking from our seas. It would also enable us to act more fairly and efficiently to conserve stocks at levels that support sustainable fisheries in the future.

How are we supposed to do this?

With the help of individual fishermen at ports across the UK, we have developed an app that can be used on a smartphone, tablet or computer to record their catches.

We have been testing the prototype with users and we will continue to do so as we develop the service. The app is designed to be quick and easy to use as we want to minimise additional work for fishermen to comply with licence conditions.

The indications are that it takes just 90 seconds to record a single species catch via the new app.

When will this become compulsory and how will we get a say in this?

We are about to start consulting the under-10m fleet, so we can better understand how catch-recording will affect them. This is with a view to launching catch-recording for the under-10s in 2019.

Don’t you realise that small fishing businesses already have enough to do without introducing even more reporting?

We understand how hard fishermen and people in the industry work. Our aim is not to introduce more reporting for its own sake, but to support our plan to develop a sustainable fishing industry for the future.

What are the benefits of the new arrangements?

The new recording arrangements will reduce the paper burden on fishermen. The existing process will be replaced and there will be just one recording requirement, which can be done very quickly via a smartphone.

Combined with data from inshore vessel monitoring, the catch-recording information can be used to trial new ways of managing fishing opportunities. This should:

• Lead to fairer more efficient fisheries management;
• Protect the rights of fishermen;
• Allow skippers to demonstrate their track record more easily; and
• Prove that the UK is taking appropriate steps to fish more sustainably, which is key to positive marketing for commercial fishing.

Keep up to date with the planned changes

We will be posting updates about catch recording requirements as well as other changes in the fishing industry on the MMO’s website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation

Details will also be available from your local MMO office as well as the offices of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCA).

Michael Coyle, MMO, Posted on:29 November 2018 - Categories:fisheries