“Project 50” – a collaborative project between Cefas scientists and Devon, UK beam-trawlermen

Here's an example of collaborative work which yielded positive results for all those involved, especially the 11 Brixham (yes, them Bricky boys again) beam trawlers that took part in trials to reduce discards at sea.

“Project 50” – a collaborative project between Cefas scientists and Devon, UK beam-trawlermen.

Plaudits for collaborative “Project 50%” at EU symposium.

A high-profile project to cut the level of discarded fish by an English fishing fleet – led by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) on behalf of Defra – received plaudits from the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at a recent symposium in Belgium. The Commissioner, Mrs Maria Damanaki’s, remarks were made in a speech to the “Improve Fisheries and Science Partnerships as Policy Drivers” symposium, a Belgian EU presidency event held in Ostend on 9–10 November. Mrs Damanaki said: “We already have many good examples of fishermen and scientists joining forces .... One such example is "Project 50%". There the UK research institute Cefas, the fisheries department in London and fishermen working on 11 beam-trawlers have worked together to test new fishing gear. This gear cuts the discard rate down by half in the flatfish fisheries.” She went on to say that such initiatives show that there is the will for fishermen and scientists to work more closely together.  “These initiatives,” the Commissioner continued, “also bring direct benefits to the fishing communities. Take Project 50%, for instance. Here, the knowledge of fishermen and scientists together is helping to get fishermen the best possible value out of their products. It also gives fish a sustainable image among consumers. And last but not least Project 50% makes beam-trawl fishing less wasteful in terms of discards.”

Defra project lead, Dr Keri Torney said: “It’s great that we are getting recognition for the projects that the UK are running to reduce discard levels, and the work we are doing to communicate what we have learnt to other countries.” In 2009–10 the innovative Project 50% partnership was established between scientists and Devon beam trawlermen. Their aim was to protect fish stocks by reducing the amount of juvenile fish discarded overboard by 50%. Results from voluntary sea trials showed an unprecedented overall reduction of 52% thanks to the development of modified fishing nets.

Representatives from Defra, Cefas, Marine Scotland, the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, and the UK fishing industry gave presentations at the symposium.  Cefas has substantial experience running collaborative programmes with UK and European fishermen. The UK’s Fisheries Science Partnership and the European “GAP” programme are two such examples.

Fryderyck Chopin on the move.

Looks like the Fryderyck Chopin has left Falmouth's Number Two dry dock and is on the move under her own steam.  The boat had the damaged masts and rigging lifted ashore at the end of last week.

Fisheries Science Partnership: proposal ideas sought from any and all fishermen.

Here's a chance for ANY fishermen to have their ideas or thoughts for a fishing related project turned into reality by CEFAS - speak to the guys in Newlyn to find out more - remember, it is the industry that gives organisations like CEFAS their reason for existing - and their work will be all the more credible if it is seen to be driven by the industry it represents.

The Fisheries Science Partnership (FSP) is a long-standing Defra initiative to encourage fishermen and scientists to work together to solve problems and provide more robust scientific data.
Since 2003, when the FSP programme was first funded, over 75 industry-inspired projects have been carried out. Reports of these projects can be found in the Publications section of this site.

Ideas for proposals are now invited from fishermen for projects to be undertaken in the 2011/12 financial year, subject to funding being available. The continuation of the FSP programme is dependant upon the outcome of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review, so proposals are prepared at the proposer's risk. At this stage, there is no guarantee of funding after March 2011.

Potential applicants should be aware that the objectives of the FSP are to:

1.provide information from commercial fishing catches on key stocks to supplement data sources traditionally used in ICES assessments

2.investigate concerns raised by fishermen on scientific assessments or on stocks not currently assessed

3.investigate innovative scientific methods and/or more selective/environmentally friendly fishing methods

4.support the work of Regional Advisory Councils.

Thus, to be eligible, projects must meet one of these objectives, plus be practical and able to deliver a real solution.

Turning an idea into a scientifically deliverable project is not always easy, so proposers may wish to ask their local Marine Management Organisation office for help. Alternatively, the Cefas FSP Contract Office can refer applicants to a scientist who can provide advice.

In addition, a simple form has been designed to help proposers to devise a suitable project. The form (in Word format, 64KB) prompts the essential required details.


It is available on this website, or from the FSP Contracts Office, Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT (Tel: +44 (0)1502 527706 / Email: fsp@cefas.co.uk).

Ideas for proposals for projects must be delivered to the FSP Contract Office by 21 January 2011.

Falmouth Marine Sciences do the tour.

 More evidence revealed of the railway track that ran from the serpentine mine at Wherry Town is exposed after the recent heavy ground sea has further stripped the pebble beach alongside Newlyn Green.....

 Tom looks out over a stunning sunrise in the Bay.......

 the weather yesterday did not deter those attending the annual memorial service in Newlyn, there are only fourteen villages in England that have no need of a memorial to commemorate the dea from World War I and II........

 getting mobbed, a cormorant is harrassed aftyer returning to the surface with a fish in his beak......

 fourteen bins of herring complement a similar number of Cornsih Sardines for the Lyonesses' weekend's work........

lookout crabs!, Mario and the boys set sail.......

  few hundred kilos of selected stunning quality sardines.........

 from the Lyonesse made good money on a fish starved market this morning........

and there to witness early market proceedings were the current cohort of Marine Science students from Falmouth - in contrast to France and other European states with significant marine trades, this kind of course would attract many students drawn from their coastal regions - more needs to be done in the UK to promote and encourage youngsters to become skilled 'artisnal' workers (like fishermen) as a worthwile occupation with real career prospects - rather than use the job in itself as a threat for not doing well at school.

CEFAS (See next post)

Say cheese!

Newlyn Cheese and Charcuterie are now open for business........

and its not long before discerning customers part with their hard earned cash for fine cheese and meats wrapped in discrete brown paper bags.......

local cheeses include a feisty Helford Blue from the Treveador Farm Dairy out on the Lizard........

and the 'Stinking Bishop', which took a starring role in the Wallace & Gromit movie, so named after the variety of pear perry used to wash the curds during the making process - and officially Britain's smelliest cheese.

Fryderyk Chopin - off come the wrecked masts in Falmouth Number 2 Dry Dock.

Statek transportowy wyladowuje pozostalosci masztów i rei.

Ściąganie ulamanej części fokmasztu.

A couple of videos shot in No 2 Dry Dock, Falmouth as the damaged masts and rigging is lifted ashore.

Newlyn Art Fest.

Heavy seas have ripped huge quantities of seaweed from the rocks......

though this week the Wherry Town river has carved a channel through the pebbles......

the local cormorants take the time to air their wings.......

as the weather moderates the fleet begin to make their way back out to sea.......

and Newlyn Art Festival gets under way.......

it's that time again......

high water and the Emma gets the thumbs up to come off the hard.......

another main engine gets fired up ready for the off.......

and the crabbers head out to sea......

Cap'n Ellsworth has additional crew sailing with him this trip.......

a team from Channel 4 filming for the fish dish episode of the Great British Banquet, though with the forecast looking pretty fickle lets hope these guys are all good sailors and get the filming in before the weather changes or there won't be much footage shot.......

one of the smarter members of the film crew has his feet firmly planted ashore - sensible chap!.........

looks like Perry lost the, "Who's going to grease the blocks on the end of the derrick" bet this week......

towing duties over, the Nova Spero takes on ice for her next trip.......

keep the berth clear chaps........

looks like the Emma is competing with Mario to have the youngest crew in the port.