Monday, 18 February 2013
BLUE CHARITY BUSINESS… IN BRUSSELS 2013 - Week 7
The Global Ocean Commission, with PEW in the background and Global Ocean Legacy, Fish Fight 2.0, Bloom Association and finally Brussels Business, all just one week after the European Parliament vote on its position on the CFP reform. It has been a week of intense activity for Blue Charity Business. We would like to decode it for you, in the light of information we collected to write the Blue Charity Business report published in November 2012. Just as for the Blue Charity Business report, the aim of this note is not to condemn US charitable foundations or environmental NGOs. It aims to connect objective but scattered evidence in order to improve transparency and fairness in the CFP reform process and, most importantly, in its future implementation.
MPAs and MCZs - European Marine Sites Implementation Group meeting
The MMO@The_MMO Fisheries in European Marine Sites Implementation Group meeting and information notes from 14 January meeting bit.ly/QQNVpK
The Real Fish Fight starts now!
Never mind hughs fishfight contacts get your complaints into channel 4 about how biased and ill informed aswell as lies this programme told,dont hesitate its ur future
http://www.channel4.com/4viewers/contact-us
We need to start getting this page shared guys,theres fishermen allover the country in agreement together now,hughs ignorence is destroying your future,lets use this page to fight back,even get hugh fans on here for friendly debate,please post all your points on here ive seen people making over the past few weeks, fishermen stand tigether for once against this guy,langoustine,whitefish,pelagic,beam,scallops,lets do something about it. Chaz bruce
The Real Fish Fight!
This campaign is reaching out to everyone connected to the fishing industry, processors and fish n chip shops also,were fed up of this bad reputation and getting our names tarnished by hughs fish fight and other anti fishing campaigns,come tell us your views and show that uk and ireland has a proud fleet of fishermen,and we wont tolerate these lies spread on ch4 etc
Hugh's Fish Fight This time next week we'll be putting together the final preparations for our march on Westminster. Join Hugh on Monday 25 February to show the government we want more marine protection: http://www.fishfight.net/
Scott Wharton on Facebook:
Could not believe what I watched last night when a man with so little knowledge of the facts is allowed to slander our industry in the way he did. It is unbelievable how a programme can be aired in the manner it was before having facts. I think the time has come for our industry of all sectors and regardless of size of vessel to come together and start counteracting some of these ridiculous accusations made by celebrity chefs who can no longer make their restaurants pay so then decide to earn extra money by trying to destroy our great industry by using their celebrity status in way of misleading the public and losing public confidence. Any sector within the industry thinking their future will be secured by these green parties and celebrities will soon realise the reality as each sector gets picked off one by one. The time has come for our industry to pull together and put our money where our mouth is and start to hit back for our future and our childrens.
Nick PrustNeed a volunteer from each port along the devon, cornwall and dorset coasts to private message me please Time to stand up and be counted
http://www.channel4.com/4viewers/contact-us
We need to start getting this page shared guys,theres fishermen allover the country in agreement together now,hughs ignorence is destroying your future,lets use this page to fight back,even get hugh fans on here for friendly debate,please post all your points on here ive seen people making over the past few weeks, fishermen stand tigether for once against this guy,langoustine,whitefish,pelagic,beam,scallops,lets do something about it. Chaz bruce
The Real Fish Fight!
This campaign is reaching out to everyone connected to the fishing industry, processors and fish n chip shops also,were fed up of this bad reputation and getting our names tarnished by hughs fish fight and other anti fishing campaigns,come tell us your views and show that uk and ireland has a proud fleet of fishermen,and we wont tolerate these lies spread on ch4 etc
Hugh's Fish Fight This time next week we'll be putting together the final preparations for our march on Westminster. Join Hugh on Monday 25 February to show the government we want more marine protection: http://www.fishfight.net/
Scott Wharton on Facebook:
Could not believe what I watched last night when a man with so little knowledge of the facts is allowed to slander our industry in the way he did. It is unbelievable how a programme can be aired in the manner it was before having facts. I think the time has come for our industry of all sectors and regardless of size of vessel to come together and start counteracting some of these ridiculous accusations made by celebrity chefs who can no longer make their restaurants pay so then decide to earn extra money by trying to destroy our great industry by using their celebrity status in way of misleading the public and losing public confidence. Any sector within the industry thinking their future will be secured by these green parties and celebrities will soon realise the reality as each sector gets picked off one by one. The time has come for our industry to pull together and put our money where our mouth is and start to hit back for our future and our childrens.
Nick PrustNeed a volunteer from each port along the devon, cornwall and dorset coasts to private message me please Time to stand up and be counted
Friday, 15 February 2013
Seafish response to Fish Fight 3
Seafish is urging supporters of Hugh's Fish Fight to pause and consider the marine environment in a wider context, especially in consideration of how we produce food on land following a focus on the issues around Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) during the first episode of Hugh's Fish Fight 3 last night (14 February).
The programme, which in Seafish's view, failed to present a complete picture of the lengths the modern day fishing industry has gone to in order to protect the marine environment, called on viewers to march on Parliament on February 25th and demand the implementation of more MPAs from the Westminster Government.
Seafish however is urging caution to campaigners and asking for them to fully inform themselves of the facts before jumping on the latest celebrity led bandwagon.
Mark Gray, Head of Responsible Sourcing for Seafish, said:
"Seafish supports the concept of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which can play an important role in protecting the biodiversity and productivity of our seas. However, MPAs need to have clear and measurable objectives, as MPAs designed for fisheries management may be quite different to those designed to protect marine biodiversity. When badly designed, areas closed to fishing can have unforeseen negative effects by displacing fishing activity elsewhere.
"Fishermen have been working alongside governments, scientists and environmental groups for years in order to establish Marine Conservation Zones of varying purposes and continue to do so.
"It is important therefore that people understand that MPAs must have a proper scientific based approach to their set-up before they can be implemented otherwise we could threaten the economic and social prosperity of the UK without making any significant strides in environmental improvement. "
The facts behind scallop dredging must also be understood. Mark Gray said:
"Over 98% of UK landed scallops are caught by vessels using towed fishing gear. There is a misconception that scallop fishermen tow dredges or trawls over every bit of the sea bed. In fact, fishermen know where the species are found and make rationale decisions about where to go scallop fishing.
"Seafish continues to work closely with UK scallop fishermen. Through research and co-operative projects, we support the adoption of techniques and technologies to minimize environmental impacts. Through the adoption of best practice, we believe that ultimately it should be possible to ensure a responsible and sustainable future for this valuable industry."
Seafish, which worked with producers Keo Films to provide footage and advice during the making of the series, was disappointed but not surprised at the content of last night's programme. Given the importance of the issue, and the way it had sought to portray scallop dredging in particular, Seafish has produced a pack of information for followers of Fish Fight to look through and arm themselves fully with the facts on MPAs, dredging and other important areas likely to be highlighted by the programme in an effort to bring some semblance of balance to a debate.
The information can be accessed via the Seafish website and ranges from responsible sourcing guides, to scallop dredging maps and Seafish's independent guide to MPAs
Scottish fishermen criticise ‘Hugh’s Fish Fight’ for inaccurate portrayal of scallop fishing
An inaccurate and negative portrayal of scallop fishing that will be aired as part of the ‘Hugh’s Fish Fight’ Channel 4 TV series has come under stinging criticism from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.
The SFF fears the three-programme series, which begins tonight, will offer a totally imbalanced and distorted view of the scallop fishing sector, which supports many jobs and provides consumers with a much valued and sustainable food resource Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said: “Scallop fishermen depend upon abundant scallop stocks and a healthy marine environment and are committed to the protection of marine biodiversity.
Scallops prefer to live in less sensitive habitats such as sand and gravel, which are naturally dynamic environments due to the movement of water on the seabed from currents, tides and waves and this is where scallop fishermen concentrate their efforts. Scallop fishermen avoid areas where there are unusual marine features and fully support the need for protecting ecologically important habitats and species. Scallop fishermen have also pioneered the use of state-of-the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) technology to aid this process.
“The scallop industry has been involved in a number of environmental initiatives in recent years such as the development of a ‘Good Practice Guide for Scallops’, which includes the commitment to work in partnership with fishery and conservation managers, and the Statutory Nature Conservation Agencies to ensure that scallop fishing activities avoid damage or disturbance to sensitive seabed habitats and protected sites. We have also been proactively involved in a number of gear trials with different styles of dredges to improve the selectivity of the gear and mitigate any impact on the seabed. “Scalloping only utilises a very small part of the seabed with vessels consistently fishing the same areas decade after decade. To imply that the scallop sector causes wide scale damage is both disingenuous and disproportionate.
“The suggestion by some celebrity chefs that we should eat only hand-dived scallops is wrong and totally impracticable as only 2% of scallops are harvested by divers, which would deny the vast majority of consumers the opportunity to enjoy this superb and sustainably caught seafood, leaving the availability of scallops to only a rich elite.
The scallop sector is also very important to our economically fragile coastal communities, employing 600 fishing sector jobs and 750 processor jobs all around the coast.”
The SFF fears the three-programme series, which begins tonight, will offer a totally imbalanced and distorted view of the scallop fishing sector, which supports many jobs and provides consumers with a much valued and sustainable food resource Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said: “Scallop fishermen depend upon abundant scallop stocks and a healthy marine environment and are committed to the protection of marine biodiversity.
Scallops prefer to live in less sensitive habitats such as sand and gravel, which are naturally dynamic environments due to the movement of water on the seabed from currents, tides and waves and this is where scallop fishermen concentrate their efforts. Scallop fishermen avoid areas where there are unusual marine features and fully support the need for protecting ecologically important habitats and species. Scallop fishermen have also pioneered the use of state-of-the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) technology to aid this process.
“The scallop industry has been involved in a number of environmental initiatives in recent years such as the development of a ‘Good Practice Guide for Scallops’, which includes the commitment to work in partnership with fishery and conservation managers, and the Statutory Nature Conservation Agencies to ensure that scallop fishing activities avoid damage or disturbance to sensitive seabed habitats and protected sites. We have also been proactively involved in a number of gear trials with different styles of dredges to improve the selectivity of the gear and mitigate any impact on the seabed. “Scalloping only utilises a very small part of the seabed with vessels consistently fishing the same areas decade after decade. To imply that the scallop sector causes wide scale damage is both disingenuous and disproportionate.
“The suggestion by some celebrity chefs that we should eat only hand-dived scallops is wrong and totally impracticable as only 2% of scallops are harvested by divers, which would deny the vast majority of consumers the opportunity to enjoy this superb and sustainably caught seafood, leaving the availability of scallops to only a rich elite.
The scallop sector is also very important to our economically fragile coastal communities, employing 600 fishing sector jobs and 750 processor jobs all around the coast.”
SWFPO members produce between them about 25% of UK scallops and Queen scallops.
SWFPO members produce between them about 25% of UK scallops and Queen scallops.
98% of scallops are caught by boats using scallop dredges.
98% of scallops are caught by boats using scallop dredges.
Follow the link to Seafish Website for information about work being done in English Channel to ensure long-term sustainability of scallop dredging in the appropriate locations with the appropriate fishing gear.
Welsh fishermen have done their bit too:
Also please take note of the CEFAS 50% Project that has reduced discarding in channel beam trawling to insignificant amounts. Follow link:
http://www.cefas.defra.gov.uk/our-science/fisheries-information/discards-and-fishing-gear-technology/project-50.aspx
It is not all as Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall would have you believe!
He has demonised scallop dredging and beam trawling, both activities which are crucial to the economic wellbeing of the Channel Ports from Shoreham to Newlyn. His wishes must not prevail. We must have viable long-term fishing jobs throughout UK and for SWFPO members in the south of England.
It is imperative that any Marine Conservation Zones are scientifically based with due scrutiny and rigour, are placed in the right locations to do the right job, that they are not too many, they are not too large and they do not displace fishermen into danger.
Ring Jim Portus on 07860542071 for more information.
Hugh's Fish Fight fires huge salvo at scallop shells!
Sadly, this programme whilst being well intentioned, was incredibly one sided and as ever played loosely with the facts.
If you missed it - be not ye fooled and watch the programme here:
Here are a range of tweets from during and following the show - firest in a new three part series on Channel 4. The first was exctly the reaction you maight now expect from members of the general public having been subjected to a very one-sided and poorly researched and put togther - now a hufe number of people are thinking that scallops should be off the menu!
Did anyone else watch #fishfight last night and think, I'm never eating scallops again!?
A few local comments by more informed viewers like Nathan.....
@Cornish_fish #fishfight great shame, could have focused on great strides made by industry in recent years, demonising fishermen not helpful
and...
@RobinPirates why after the huge efort the uk fishing industry has put in over last 10 yr are there still those who want to misslead public
and...
#fishfight one sided propaganda at its worse .recreate a coral reef on a beach then drag a dredger through it ? This doesn't happen.
then there were no end of outraged viewers comments......
#FishFight watched the first program tonight and could not believe the damage caused to the seabed by the dragging equipment
Fishermen hit out at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall for putting people ... via @Telegraph soc.li/0qesJbj #SustainableFishBIZ #fishfight
Fishermen hit out at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall for putting people ... via @Telegraph soc.li/0qesJbj #SustainableFishBIZ #fishfight
@hughsfishfight how do i get in touch with the fishfight?
@coinneachmackin I can't bear to watch it cause you know what shite he will come out with. So took wife out for a nice meal. Scallops hahaha
HFW your off my Christmas list What happened to free range chickens???
@FishStock1 unfortunately ths prick @rivercottage @hughsfishfight gets a stage to stand on 2 preach his flawed philosophy,lies#ch4bollocks
@fishywillie according to the MMO VMS maps it's about 30% of bottom never fished. So much for his 0.0001% TOSH!
Oh you prat #fishfight nd how much of the seabed is fished by nobody??
@a11yjr @hughsfishfight someone who creates debate and forces us to rethink how our fish is caught can only be a good thing
@finandflounder @hughsfishfight are you for reel.
@finandflounder @a11yjr @hughsfishfight beam trawler & scallop dredger appropriate sandy bottoms where they do fish! They don't fish on reef
@hughsfishfight why no mention of the closed areas we have in Scotland .. 350 closures in 3 years .. Cod spawning closed areas!
@hughsfishfight we fish same areas year after year. Why do we still get best fishing there? #dontbelievehugh
RT @coinneachmackin: @hughsfishfight pisspots that know fek all should say fek all when u don't know all the facts. #eejit #facts #knowledge
What is very reassuring for members of the industry was Seafish's instant response both during and after the show to come back with some real hard evidence - not just sensationalist stunts pulled on the beach with sandcastles!!
What is very reassuring for members of the industry was Seafish's instant response both during and after the show to come back with some real hard evidence - not just sensationalist stunts pulled on the beach with sandcastles!!
Seafish trials with industry to reduce to discards are showing positive results seafish.org/about-seafish/… #fishfight #fishfacts
To find out more about our work with the fishing industry on MPAs and MCZs, contact us: seafish.org/retailers/resp… #fishfight #fishfacts
Here are the days at sea that scallop dredgers in the UK spend seafish.org/media/759553/d… #fishfight #fishfact
Here are the days at sea that scallop dredgers in the UK spend seafish.org/media/759553/d… #fishfight #fishfact
Anyone watching #fishfight read sff.co.uk/node/701 then argue
For anyone following HFW's campaign, we recommend you follow our friends @seafishuk - the best source of info
Let's look at an untouched reef system(unfishable anyway)then look at th shale/sandy barren ground scallops live on and scaremonger#bollocks
There are many different types of MPA, designed and designated for different reasons, find out more: seafish.org/media/754274/s… #fishfight
RT @coinneachmackin: @hughsfishfight pisspots that know fek all should say fek all when u don't know all the facts. #eejit #facts #knowledge
Thanks I would tell skipper but no phone signal! Off to get some shut eye was up at four with skipper to pack him up etc zzzzzzz ;-)
@GingerbreadBake @Happy_Appetite Protecting our seas is vitally important for social, economic and environmental reasons we agree.
“@ClassicSeagulls: @DevonScallops HFW is a ***** what you do an produce is 1st class!!” Hear Hear 👏
@hughsfishfight let's have marine protected areas for our fishermen ..they are the most endangered species !!
Well skippers over 6 miles off shore as I type, best tell him to come in as what he does is a waste of time!
@chelseafish @FishStock1 @sithefish1 exactly !
@FishStock1 @DevonScallops @sithefish1 dive caught scallops don't stand alone. Numerous product sales exceed capture.
Our maps help show where dredging takes place in the UK, very targetted, take a look seafish.org/media/759561/d… #fishfight #fishfacts
Dredging is just one of three techniques used to harvest scallops #fishfight #fishfacts
Fishermen have been working closely with ENGOs and Government on establishing Marine Conservation Zones for many years #fishfight
@ClientEarth @HughFearnleyW @hughsfishfight do u not realise that's sandy sea bed? Totally different bottom than which he was divingon #lies
@chelseafish @DevonScallops @sithefish1 2% dive-caught V 98% dredged. Probably more diver-caught are sold than are caught if U get my drift!
@chelseafish @DevonScallops @sithefish1 2% dive-caught V 98% dredged. Probably more diver-caught are sold than are caught if U get my drift!
Wonder how many bricks went through TV's tonight #fishfight
@hughsfishfight dungeness fish hut fishing for tomorrow check out the website dungenessfishhut.net sustainable fishing at its best!
Jeez. Why not just film a fisherman beating a baby seal to death with an undersized cod. While wearing an Al Qeida t-shirt. #bollocks.
@FishStock1 @DevonScallops sensationalist and damaging to an already struggling industry. There are far bigger industry issues...
For more info on fisheries and conservation in the IoM see fisheries-conservation.bangor.ac.uk #fishfight #fishfacts
@realMarkLloyd @DevonScallops not most honest journalism ever on TV but probably most exaggerated! Sandcastles above tide line! Phoney!
@Ajax_Hake he admitted on the bbc one show he aint a chef.He's a campaigner,foodie,ecologist, full time lying prat?#fishfight #eatmorefish
How do we balance the needs of fishermen w/ protecting fish stocks? Better gear is one solution ow.ly/hImEh via @nytimesgreen
Much as I love Hugh's passion, this is very sensationalist and mis-representative..
@seafishuk @hughsfishfight #fishfight #fishfacts unfortunately he does not let the truth stand in the way of a good story. Publicity seeker
@micheljkaiser its good to see someone with a distigushed scientific back ground explaining some facts about the fishing
"@Ajax_Wife: pic.twitter.com/chD7YMie". SO VERY TRUE #HFW = #TWAT
@hughsfishfight dungeness fish hut fishing for tomorrow check out the website dungenessfishhut.net sustainable fishing at its best!
Well by sounds of it thats hugh gibbering pish again, go back to you're kitchen, dont bother speaking about the fishing you're uneducated!!!
A bit more monks in today. Support UK fisheries. #eatmorefish peterheadport.co.uk/marketsummarys…
@LapwingPD972 he has nothing positive to say about any form of responsible fishing, hate,disbelief, scaremonger the public to eat horse?
@hughsfishfight why have you not mentioned our CCTV scheme??? That should be your flagship!!! I can't understand it??
For some proper underwater footage of a trawl see here. youtube.com/watch?v=kX48dW… #fishfight #fishfacts
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)