Thursday morning market in Newlyn - some prices jump - slightly!

Plenty of fish again on the market this morning...

large ling...

and plenty of pollack which saw a doubling in price to around £1.00 per kilo - hardly a good return for the boats concerned when pollack normally makes anything from £3.50 to £4.50 a kilo...

a beam trawl trip brought much needed quality flats...

monk, megrims and Dover soles to the market, all making around 30% or more less than an average market...

haddock also dropped in price... 

while mackerel prices held...

those huge inky stains on the market floor mean that another big trip of cuttles was landed - though this is one fish that UK consumers could do with being encouraged to buy as an excellent squid substitute - many people prefer cuttlefish, it is sweeter in flavour...

a full trip of whitefish for Friday's market...

buyers were constantly taking and  making calls to make sure that all the fish was sold at a fair price...

all grades of hake rose slightly...

though it is already apparent that the number of buyers has halved over the course of the week...

and to my left...

fish about to go for packing...

as more boats are tied up uncertain that they will be able to sell the fish that they catch - worrying times for all concerned.

COVID19 - Latest CFPO update on fish landings.

A message from Paul Trebilcock at the Cornwall Fish Producers Organisation:

With ongoing concerns from fishermen across the region about Covid-19, the CFPO has again liaised with SWFPO and Interfish FPO along with local markets (Newlyn, Plymouth and Brixham) about the ongoing challenges of selling fish. There is a great deal of uncertainty at the moment and in reality that uncertainty is likely to continue.

Market demand has fallen across the board with demand and price for fish and shellfish, in particular, whitefish. Shellfish merchants (crab & lobster) have almost entirely ceased taking any shellfish. Some prime fish including dover sole is currently holding in terms of price but this should not be seen as assured or long term.

There are worries about what species might be most vulnerable to major demand and/or price drop but again at this stage it was felt that emphasis should be on lower volumes and higher quality as a general approach.

Shorter trips are considered to be a sensible approach rather than risking higher volumes from longer trips that may be more difficult to sell -obviously where possible/practical.

Please speak to your respective market/auctioneer/buyer about what you are catching and when you are intending to land to ensure they can spread landings. Market stability is more likely to be secured from shorter trips and staggered landings.

We are going to keep in close liaison with other SW POs and markets on an ongoing basis and will endeavour to keep you informed as more information emerges.

Discussions have begun with DEFRA (through NFFO and UKAFPO jointly, as well as by individual POs) regarding a support package for fishermen but this is in early stages and almost certainly won’t be a quick fix.

Given the poor start to the year, weather-wise, many parts of the fleet are entering this crisis with very little resilience/money in the bank, therefore measure must be genuine and include both real money and regulatory considerations.

We will do everything we can to support you during this worrying period. We will be bringing you a Fathom podcast very soon with advice and guidance on direct selling and updates from Defra on financial support for fishermen.

We are also working with our Seafood Cornwall initiative to help keep up the demand for fish and shellfish in Cornwall and support local fishermen and fishing communities. We want to connect customers who are in isolation to fish merchants with the capacity to deliver freshly caught fish. If you are a fish merchant who would like to be connected to more customers please get in touch now using info@seafoodcornwall.org.uk

If you are a customer who would like fresh Cornish fish delivered to your door, please email info@seafoodcornwall.org.uk. Thank you.

Paul Trebilcock

COVID19 causes export fish price crash - Newlyn boat lands huge trip in debt!

By weight, pollack, which is mainly exported to France and Spain...

was the most plentiful fish on the market this morning in Newlyn where over 8,000kg was landed from four boats - on Monday this week, pollack was making £4.50 a kilo - by this morning the average price was 41p - one boat, which had leased all of its pollack quota at 50p a kilo made a net loss on the trip - which means that not only would the crew - all of whom are 'share-fishermen' receive no wage but the boat's expenses, which included around 6,000litres of fuel, meant were significantly more than the boat grossed...

where possible it would be a really positive move for retail outlets like supermarkets with wet-fish counters, wet-fish shops and fish shops make use of this cod-like fish...

prices for other fish that have markets in the UK like Dover sole. John Dory... 

dogfish...
  

haddock...

ray...

plaice...

and line caught mackerel were around 20% lower which at least means the boats fishing for these species can continue to fish profitably rather than catch species that cannot be sold at present...
 

meanwhile the price for hake, of which 90% used to be exported to Spain but is now consumed in much greater quantities in the UK has held up...

 - which Ryan, skipper of the Stelissa with a big trip of hake to land tomorrow will hope holds true...

news from customers 'up-country' would suggest that the home market is holding up - let's hope it continues to do so as the knock-on effect of boats forced to tie up because they cannot sell there fish would be huge and affect more than just the local economy.

Fishing industry reacts to COROVID-19 - latest update.

From the NFFO:

Dialogue has begun between the NFFO and the Government on how best to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the fishing industry over its duration.

• The market for fish and shellfish has already been badly affected, with fears of worse to come:

• An early sector to feel the consequences of the virus is the crab market, which had responded to increasing demand from China and which has now seen a dramatic fall in price, as restrictions bite

• Inventories of frozen nephrops were approaching capacity before the virus struck and saturation point will inevitably impact on buyers’ behaviours on the 1st hand market

• Whitefish prices are also softening as buyers face logistical difficulties and travel restrictions triggered by the coronavirus

• Seasonal fisheries such as cuttlefish are likely to be impacted by restrictions in Italy and France, particularly closures in the restaurant sector

• There are concerns about how fish processing units will continue to operate if the workforce is impacted directly by the virus, or by efforts to self-isolate

• Individual judgements on self-isolation will be made by fishermen but the impacts will be felt across whole crews and fishing businesses

In these unique and unprecedented circumstances, individual fishing businesses and producer organisations are taking their own steps to mitigate impacts by arranging shorter trips, staggering and planning landings, reducing quantities landed, in order to avoid flooding the market and triggering a price collapse.

Science

The production of the scientific advice for next year’s quotas has been affected and shorter, more summary advice than that we have become used to will emerge to inform the autumn management decisions – this time with the UK participating for the first time as an independent coastal state.

Support

We are in a highly dynamic situation. As the virus spreads, new impacts are becoming manifest. Evolving regulatory responses and market reactions, mean that it will be necessary to understand exactly what is happening in a rapidly changing situation.

This is the context within which the form and shape of a government support package will be discussed, with a focus on keeping the sector viable during this, temporary but undoubtedly severe shock.



From Luke Pollard, who Plymouth MP has posted this to his fishing constituency:

"Hello - The Coronavirus outbreak is hurting every sector of our economy and I want to know what your thoughts and concerns are when it comes to the impact of Coronavirus. The priority is keeping people safe and well but we also must secure people's livelihoods.

One of the key areas of concern for me as the MP for Plymouth's fishing quarter is the impact Covid-19 is having on fishers. As the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, fishing falls within my portfolio.

There are a thousand jobs in fishing in Plymouth, it really matters to our local economy and our way of life. And I've been raising issues around this since I was elected in 2017.

But now our fishing industry is under threat from the Coronavirus. We're already seeing a huge fall in prices of fish that's landed in Plymouth as export markets collapse and that will have a knock on effect across the entire industry. This matters because as a nation we export the vast majority of fish we catch and we import the vast majority of fish we eat.

We know that most fishing industry is made up of many small businesses as well as some very large ones too. Many people take out a boat mortgage out that's also borrowed against their home, so if there's a problem with the amount fish that's landed and the value of that fish, it can immediately impact on livelihoods and well-being.

I will soon be meeting the Secretary of State responsible for fishing, and I hope to keep in regular contact with him as this national crisis develops. I want to share your views and concerns with him, so I can get the government to act to save our fishing industry.

Please send me an email at luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk, and put the subject line as 'Fishing Feedback'. Let me know how the coronavirus impacts you, so together we can get the government to take the right action. Over the next few days I'll be looking at other sectors as well."



From IFCA:

In light of yesterdays governmental advice on social distancing Cornwall IFCA will be closing its office to the general public. If you wish to discuss anything, please call us on 07794360221 or contact us by email. enquiries@cornwall-ifca.gov.uk


From The Real Cornish Crab company which processes crab and lobster from its fleet of five crabbers tht are based in Newlyn posted a COROVID-19 update tonight:

realcornishcrab 🔴 COVID 19 UPDATE 🔴

It's still business as usual for us at @realcornishcrab 🦀 Our boats are operating, our factory is processing delicious fresh crab and supplying restaurants up and down the country. Our shop in Long Rock is open to the public to buy hand-picked crab to take home - so if you're struggling to shop at supermarkets, remember that all the smaller shops and suppliers are still here to support you. 💪🏼

To reassure our customers, cafes and restaurants that we supply, below is a run through of our current cleaning systems as well as the extra precautions we are taking to reduce to risk of coronavirus.

🔸We have cleaning schedules for every area of the factory, with checklists completed and signed off every day.

🔸Strict hand washing policies, food safe gloves, hand sanitiser pumps stationed around the factory (this is all general policy and procedure which we have in place at all times). In addition to this everyone is requested to sterilise their hands when coming onto site.

🔸All areas are sterilised and sanitised routinely throughout the day.

🔸All of our delivery drivers carry hand sanitiser in the vans and are being encouraged to have minimum contact when delivering - please excuse them if this appears rude.

🔸We have full council approval and are SALSA approved.

🔸All visitors and staff are asked to complete health questionnaires, these have been recently updated to include #covid-19 symptoms and travel to the affected areas.

🔸All of the boats are being thoroughly cleaned, the skippers and their crews are being kept informed with all the latest updates and are following procedures to keep them safe in the harbour and at sea.

🔸We are now only accepting card payments at the shop to avoid handling cash as this further spreads bacteria.

Until we're informed otherwise, we will continue to keep running business as normal. Please keep supporting your small local businesses and they will continue to support you. Look after each other and stay safe.

Mark and Emma, and the Real Cornish Crab Company team 🦀

Seafish support for the seafood sector during Covid-19 outbreak in the UK

We’re making adjustments to how we work so that we can continue to support the UK seafood sector.

As the coronavirus situation evolves, Seafish staff will work from home until Friday 1st May, to reduce the risk to health and wellbeing and play our part in slowing the spread.

Meetings will happen by phone, conference call or online and our staff will be available as usual via email and phone. We have postponed or cancelled some of our larger events which were due to take place before 1st May. We are fully committed to supporting the UK seafood sector through this difficult time.

In this situation, the availability of food is crucial and the seafood industry has a huge part to play in this.

We are aware of the impact this is already having on seafood businesses and supply chains and we will do what we can to help.

We can play an important role in pulling together a complete overview of all the impacts of coronavirus across the entire seafood sector.

You can contribute information and insight so that we can provide a full overview to the industry and Government through regular reports.

Please tell us how your business is affected by coronavirus and how you’re responding by emailing seafish@seafish.co.uk or get in touch with anybody at Seafish and they will share your story with our analysis team. Your information will be treated confidentially.

If there is anything else you think we can do to help, please let us know.

More information on support for the seafood industry is available on our 

Coronavirus updates for the seafood industry

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is expected to impact our lives and businesses. We’ll provide the latest updates from Government for businesses, employers and employees in the seafood industry.

Last updated Monday 16th March 2020.

As the situation with coronavirus (Covid-19) in the UK evolves, it is important that everyone is aware of the latest advice from the UK Government and the health information from the NHS.

This is likely to cause significant business disruption. We are currently monitoring the situation and how this is impacting the seafood industry. 

Support from Seafish

We are aware of the impact this is already having on seafood businesses and supply chains and we will do what we can to help.  

We can play an important role in pulling together a complete overview of all the impacts of coronavirus across the entire seafood sector.  

You can contribute information and insight so that we can provide a full overview to the industry and Government through regular reports. 

Please tell us how your business is affected by coronavirus and how you’re responding by emailing seafish@seafish.co.uk or get in touch with anybody at Seafish and they will share your story with our analysis team. Your information will be treated confidentially.

If there is anything else you think we can do to help, please let us know. 

Support and advice for businesses

The UK Government has published updated guidance for businesses, employers and employees. We recommend you check the page regularly and subscribe for email alerts. 

The Government also announced a package of measures to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses affected by Covid-19. This includes:

• A statutory sick pay relief package for SMEs
• A Business Rate Relief for small businesses and pubs
• Small business grant funding of £3,000 for all business in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) and Rural Rates Relief
• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to support long-term viable businesses who may need to respond to cash-flow pressures by seeking additional finance

Defra is asking all businesses in the seafood and fisheries sectors to report back any intel on how events might be impacting their businesses.

Please email FishEUExit@defra.gov.uk with any information you would like to share.

Local sources of support

Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Governments have local information available via their websites:

• Scottish Government website
• Welsh Government website
• Northern Ireland Executive website

We recommend you check their websites regularly and subscribe to email alerts.

Scotland

A new helpline has been launched to supply Scottish businesses with tailored advice on coronavirus. The helpline number is 0300 303 0660.

It is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:30, based at Scottish Enterprise's call centre in Clydebank. Call handlers will answer questions from businesses related to Covid-19 as well as relaying the challenges faced by businesses to the Scottish Government.

Wales

Business Wales has advice on its website for Welsh businesses. The phone number for further advice is 0300 060 3000.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Business Info has advice on its website for Northern Irish businesses.

Other sources of support

ACAS has published information for employees and employers, including information on simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff, sick pay and absence from work.

A number of private lenders are also making funds available to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including £2 billion from Lloyds Banking Group and £5 billion from NatWest.

Lisa Jacqueline under tow.

England's busiest port sees boats of all sizes coming and going 24/7 - Through the Gaps captures some of those comings and goings over the last few days.

BBC Hard Talk - Brexit hard talk.

Fisherman: 'Our coastal communities have disappeared'

Britain and the EU are locking horns over the terms of their future relationship and fishing communities across Europe are on the front line. Stephen Sackur travels to Scotland and northern France to see if fishing has the potential to derail progress in trade talks that must conclude by the end of the year. 

There is going to be a fight over fishing, but will it turn ugly?

The UK’s entry into the European Economic Community in the 1970s led to a large reduction in the number of fishing boats operating out of north-east Scotland, fisherman James Stephen has said.

“We were sold down the river,” he told BBC Hardtalk’s Stephen Sackur, adding that he wanted the “injustice” to be reversed.

Only a fraction of the industry remains, Mr Stephen said, explaining that the fishing fleet in north-east Scotland had gone from about 450 boats to about 100.

The UK and the European Union have begun trade talks to put in place a new framework for UK fishing waters after the transition period ends at the end of 2020.

Watch the full programme here: