I-VMS for under 12m vessels is just months away from being in place!

I-VMS applies to all powered vessels under 12m

I-VMS legislation due to come into force this year New legislation requiring all under-12 metre vessels fishing in English waters to have an operational inshore vessel monitoring system (I-VMS) device, is just months away from being in place

New legislation requiring all under-12 metre vessels fishing in English waters to have an operational inshore vessel monitoring system (I-VMS) device, is just months away from being in place.

The positional data provided by I-VMS devices will aid in ensuring the sustainability of UK fisheries and provide a more thorough understanding of fishing practices.

With industry now well-prepared, Defra has confirmed to Marine Management Organisation (MMO), that the drafting of the legislation is in its final stages.

MMO can confirm that over 80% of the English under-12m fleet have purchased a device, claiming £1.3m in grant funding to cover purchase and installation costs. Almost 100% of those purchasing a device have their devices installed, with the remaining installations due in the coming weeks, pending completion of vessel refits or other exceptional circumstances which may have prevented installations from happening sooner.

Sean Douglas, Head of Regulatory Assurance for MMO said: “We have been preparing for the new legislation to be laid this spring, and it is good to know that the review process is in its final stages. As such, all vessels fishing in English waters should be prepared to have an operational I-VMS device in place from this summer.

“Our priority for the I-VMS roll-out programme has always been to support industry to be ready for this new legislation. The positive uptake has been great to see and we thank everyone who has participated so far.

“There are still a few fishers yet to purchase a device and arrange installations. For those fishers to be compliant with the legislation and be able to fish lawfully when it comes into effect, we urge them to contact the suppliers of the two type-approved devices while there is still time.”

The exact schedule for laying this new law is due the coming weeks.

Fishers can contact the suppliers directly and MMO’s I-VMS helpline remains available 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, on 01900 508618 - or you can email questions to ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk.

Quite a night for SAR helicopter, Penlee and Lizard lifeboats crews.

 

A French yachtsman was dramatically airlifted to safety on Monday night after his mast snapped in a force 10 storm 42 miles south-southwest of Newlyn, Cornwall.
HM Coastguard received a distress signal from the solo sailor around 10:08pm and tasked both the Penlee and Lizard RNLI lifeboats to the scene. Conditions were reported as extremely hazardous, with westerly winds reaching force 10, six-meter swells, and rough seas with limited visibility due to squalls.

Thankfully, a Coastguard helicopter was able to reach the stricken vessel before the lifeboats arrived. The injured yachtsman had abandoned his dismasted yacht and jumped into the sea, allowing the helicopter crew to safely recover him despite the challenging conditions of dangling rigging. He was flown to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for a check-up, with his injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

The Penlee lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Patch Harvey, was stood down after approximately 20 miles ploughing into heavy seas when news of the helicopter rescue was received. RNLI coxswain Patch Harvey said ‘The conditions were very poor especially for the helicopter crew who had to dodge flailing rigging but picked up the sailor after he had jumped into the sea to enable the rescue.’

The story from the Lizard station: Our crew pagers sounded at 9.42pm last night – Monday 8th April following a tasking request from Falmouth Coastguard. RNLB Rose launched shortly before 10.00pm to go to the assistance of a lone yachtsman whose emergency distress beacon had been triggered in a position of approximately 40 NM (nautical miles) south/south west of Lizard Point.
Under the command of Coxswain Dan Atkinson The Lizard Lifeboat proceeded to make her way to the position in extremely treacherous rough seas and at times with very limited visibility due to the squally showers and sea swell. The yachtsman’s vessel had become dismasted, had also suffered a damaged rudder and with the on scene sea conditions it was impossible for the casualty to proceed further.

Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924 was also tasked as were our colleagues from Penlee Lifeboat a short time later. After making headway to the yachts position it was confirmed that Rescue 924 had asked the sailor to enter the water thus enabling them to winch him to safety for an onward passage to hospital for medical assistance.

This allowed RNLB Rose and her crew along with Penlee Lifeboat to be stood down and return to station at 11.20pm. The lifeboat arrived back at Kilcobben Cove at 1.40am where she was rehoused, refuelled and by 2.00am was made ready for service again when required.

Earlier that day, the Penlee lifeboat had also been tasked to assist a 30ft catamaran with one person and a dog onboard experiencing difficulty entering Penzance harbour in rough seas with a south-easterly gale. Thankfully, the catamaran was able to reach the harbour safely, and the lifeboat returned to its station.

Panel date confirmed for the highly popular Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is inviting applications for the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) after confirming the date for the next review panel.

The grant scheme, administered by MMO on behalf of Defra, opened again in late February and will deliver a further £6 million in match funding to projects developing the catching, processing and aquaculture sectors, and those enhancing the marine environment.

Applications with a total project cost of £150,000 or more must be considered by the FaSS panel, which is responsible for reviewing and recommending projects in line with the overall objectives of the scheme. The panel is expected to meet to consider these during the week commencing 24 June 2024.

The deadline for submissions of applications for this panel is 11.59pm, Tuesday 30 April 2024.

Paul Errington, MMO’s Acting Director of Finance and Resources, said:

“FaSS has already delivered significant benefits to the fisheries, seafood, and marine sectors over the last two years, and we have again seen strong interest in the highly popular scheme since we opened the latest round of funding. Building on this success, we are delighted to announce the date for what will be our only panel to review large-scale projects this year.

“Applicants are reminded that the available grant funding is being allocated quickly and there is just a year remaining for them to conclude any projects under this scheme before it closes on 31 March 2025. We urge those considering applying for support under FaSS to speak with MMO’s grants team as soon as possible.”

Applications for projects valued less than £150,000 can be submitted for consideration at any time.

The latest round of FaSS builds on the £27 million already committed to more than 1,300 projects across a range of seafood and marine businesses, charities and other organisations since the scheme was launched in 2021. This includes supporting the fishing industry across a variety of areas, such as health and safety, processing, partnerships, research, and diversification.

You can contact the MMO Grants Team on 0208 026 5539 to discuss any potential panel application or visit the MMO website for guidance and information on how to make an application.

Further information:

Funding is available for both new projects and existing projects who are already benefitting from the scheme. MMO will accept applications from smaller projects throughout the year, while projects valued at £150,000 or more must be submitted by 30 April 2024. All projects funded under FaSS, regardless of scale, must be completed by the time scheme closes on 31 March 2025. Applications can be submitted here. For more information about FaSS and how to contact MMO’s grants team, visit gov.uk

Bluefin tuna (BFT) commercial fishery within UK waters

 

The application period for the commercial BFT trial, will open from 10:00am today, Monday the 8th of April until Sunday the 28th of April. The application itself and updated information on ‘how to apply’ is on this gov.uk page. 

What is prohibited? 

Commercial targeting of BFT is prohibited unless authorised in your fishing licence.

BFT should be released alive and unharmed to the greatest extent possible; logbook vessels must record the discard.

For the protection and conservation of BFT there is a minimum conservation reference size (MCRS). For bluefin tuna caught in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean the MCRS is 30kg or 115cm (fork length).

If the BFT cannot be returned to the sea alive UK vessels must:

• record all BFT by-catch.

• report and land all dead BFT above MCRS.

• discard all dead BFT below MCRS, vessels must record all discards.

Every BFT landed must be accompanied with an ICCAT Electronic Bluefin Tuna Catch Document (eBCD). It is the fisher’s responsibility to complete. For assistance, please contact ukiuuslo@marinemanagement.org.uk

Permitted BFT fishery through licence authorisation. 

For 2024 the UK has 66.15 tonnes of BFT quota.

The UK will use 39 tonnes of the quota to continue to the UK trial commercial fishery for vessels fishing with low-impact rod and reel gears. Licence authorisations will be available for up to 13 vessels, accessed through an application process. The 39 tonnes of quota will be split equally between the successful applicants.

The trial will continue to assist in the evaluation of the sustainability of a small scale commercial BFT fishery and the social and economic benefits this new fishery could potentially provide to UK fishers.

The MMO can make up to 13 licence authorisations available, in accordance with our 2024 UK annual fishing plan endorsed by ICCAT.

The MMO on behalf of the UK fisheries authorities, will distribute the 39 tonnes of the quota amongst successful licence authorisation holders to fish against (3 tonnes per licence holder).

Commercial fishing vessels from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may apply to take part in the trial, but fishing for BFT will not be permitted in Welsh or Northern Irish waters in 2024.

The fishery is expected to be open from 1 July to 31 December 2024 subject to ICCAT registry, with the quota managed by the MMO who reserve the right to re-distribute quota if required during the year.

Licence authorisations will be non-transferable and valid for the 2024 fishing season only. Licence authorisations will not provide successful applicants with a track record for future quota considerations and provide no guarantee of access to bluefin tuna quota in future.

The licence will allow a controlled number of vessels the ability to land and sell BFT, provided reporting conditions are met. Failure to meet these conditions can result in an authorisation being suspended or removed.

Eligibility criteria in order to apply for a BFT commercial licence? 

Commercial fishing licence holders who meet specific mandatory criteria can apply to take part in the trial. The criteria is aligned with the UK’s commitment to meeting the requirements set by ICCAT and contributing to the sustainable management of the stock internationally.

To apply for a BFT licence authorisation applicants must:

• have a commercial fishing licence and be registered in either England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• have a vessel 12 metres or under in overall length

• use rod and reel fishing gears only – no chumming will be permitted.

• have individual fishing trips last less than 24 hours in duration.

• record all catches of BFT and submit an eBCD record for all landings (see reporting conditions below).

• agree to be contacted as part of a formal evaluation of the trial.

Commercial fishing vessels from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may apply to take part in the trial, but fishing for BFT will not be permitted in Welsh or Northern Irish waters in 2024.

Applicants cannot own both a commercial BFT licence and a recreational CRRF BFT permit for the same vessel, and applicants will know whether they have been successful before the recreational BFT application period opens.

MMO and Defra reserve the right to take account of previous infringements by applicants when assessing applications.

• Applications must be completed on an individual basis per vessel. 

• No group applications will be accepted or applications for more than one vessel per application.

• Applicants will be required to complete vessel, nominee, and owner details. 

• Applicants will also need to provide answers to two questions which relate to how applicants are best placed to deliver an environmentally sustainable fishery which brings economic and social benefits to the UK.

Consideration will also be given to an applicant’s history of compliance with regulatory requirements relating to fishing. Further detail on what will be considered is available in the terms and conditions of the application.

Make an application here.

Storm Kathleen swells the size of the fleet in Newlyn.

No room at the Inn! The harbour hasn't been this busy since the French fleet of prawn trawlers filled every available berth and more in the '80s and '90s...

back in the day when there were well over 100 of them fishing at any time in the Western Approaches...

today, some of the Filipino crew are busy over-ending nets ahead of this afternoon's predicted heavy showers...

while boats like the new Admiral Gordon  from Plymouth are berthed inside a couple of Brixham boats...

ahead of a trio of big Scottish prawn trawlers, the Andromeda, Daystar and Claire Marie...

Elizabeth and Georgina of Ladram berthed on the end of the Mary Williams pier...

and for more prawners over on the North Pier...

a fresh breeze keeping those bowlines tight.

Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners Publishes Schedule of Charges for 2024

 

Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) has undertaken its annual review of the charging structure for its facilities and services, based on usage data from 2023.

This review has included a benchmarking process with the open price lists of Tor Bay and Cornwall Council Harbours to ensure that prices not only remain fair and competitive but also provide sufficient revenue to deliver Newlyn Harbour’s planned operational activity and sustain its reserves for future development.

During this review, NP&HC has considered costs, user expectations, the continued control of its assets, the effect of the increase in the cost of living that is currently being experienced and the need for improved clarity in terms of communicating its charging structure to current and prospective harbour users.

The new charging structure takes effect from Monday 1st April and key changes include:

• The removal of the Gross Tonnage (GT) measure as this is little used in Newlyn. Vessels will now be charged on Length Overall (LOA), which will simplify charging and administration
• Whilst pontoon charges have not been increased as stated in last year’s review, harbour dues for non-pontoon users have been increased by around 10% in line with the inflationary pressures of the past year. Two lower size brackets have also been removed to close a loophole, which enabled small vessels to leverage a disproportionately low harbour due
• Cargo dues have been reduced to encourage enquiries. Whilst Newlyn Harbour is not aiming to become a cargo handling port at this time, it does have the capability to undertake small scale operations and other project work
• Storage charges have been changed to improve clarity for harbour users and reinforce NP&HC controls
• Fish Market dues have been removed to align with a concession arrangement that will soon be in place
• Waste removal charges have been increased to reflect the costs to the Harbour that well-exceed the amount currently levied. Fees have been doubled for the largest vessels and have increased by 10%, 25%, and 50% for other smaller vessels. These increases will help to recover some of the cost of this service. The Harbour Office is investigating alternative solutions with the aim of reducing the cost of waste removal in the future
• Newlyn residents will no longer be able to park in the Harbour Car Park, as a result of the decision by the Harbour Commissioners to focus provision for core harbour users, and in preparation for the construction of the new Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre later this year.

NP&HC’s Schedule of Charges for 2024 also includes explanatory notes to provide clarity for harbour users and better explain specific terms such as ‘non-contributory vessel and conditions such as those that govern the use of the slipway and how the Harbour charges for cancellation, demurrage (overstay), and electricity used.

“Whilst NP&HC recognises that it is never a good time to be increasing prices to reflect rising operational costs, we hope that stakeholders and harbour users will find them fair in the context of the quality of the services and facilities that we provide and how they compare to the charges of our regional competitors in Penzance and Brixham,” explains Harbour Master & CEO, Jonathan Poynter. “As a Trust Port, we reinvest any surplus revenue for the benefit of harbour users and the wider community, and NP&HC is wholeheartedly committed to investing in the Newlyn Harbour Estate’s infrastructure to enhance and preserve it for the future.”

For further information, please visit www.newlynharbour.com/facilities-services/

First meeting of the Celtic Sea and Western Channel Pelagic FMP Partnership.

The new Celtic Sea and Western Channel Pelagic FMP Partnership recently met. This collaborative effort brought together stakeholders from across the fishing industry, government agencies, and scientific communities. The mission is to develop a comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for pilchard, anchovy, horse mackerel, herring, and greater silver smelt in the Celtic Sea and Western Channel.

Fishermen and other industry representatives from the South West spent over four hours talking through the points on the agenda (below) in order to get the partnership off the ground. The predominant pelagic fishery in the Bristol Channel and Western Approaches is sardines. Many attendees were members of the Cornish Sardine Management Association, who were out in force and hoping that, with their well established MSC Certified Fishery, they will be ahead of the game in creating a successful partnership. The fishery relied heavily on data from the annual Cefas Peltic survey, for which the CSMA is eternally grateful.

During the meeting there was some interest over whether or whether not there was or is a smelt (argentine) fishery in ICES Areas 7e,g and h - it seems not a fish that most fishermen present had ever seen in their nets. Despite their presence in significant numbers, mackerel will be covered by another FMP. One outcome desired by those at the meeting was to ensure that other FMPs impacted on or impacted by should be a part of the discussions going forward. There was a unanimous desire to avoid situations that have occurred in the past where decisions pertaining to fisheries for bass, pollack and crab have caused real hardship on fishermen, not only economic but also social and health wise. Bad decisions have real consequences for fishing communities - in Cornwall a recent report commissioned by the CFPO showed that for every single fisherman at sea there were 15 jobs supported ashore.

The agenda also set out to create a dialogue between the industry, the Welsh Government and the MMO in order to create a pelagic focussed FMP, one of 43 now being created in the UK.

Taking advantage of the historic Kings Arms next to the community hall, many of the attendees continued an informal discussion after the meeting highlighting the value of face-to-face networking with all sectors of the industry, normally based many miles apart!

Why a pelagic FMP?

Fish are a vital resource, and sustainable management practices are crucial to ensure healthy populations for future generations. The Celtic Sea and Western Channel Pelagic FMP will establish evidence-based action plans to achieve this goal. By working together, we can create a plan that considers the needs of the fishery, the health of the ecosystem, and the well-being of coastal communities.

Working together

The partnership will hold three in-person meetings over the next year, with the possibility of additional online meetings or visits to local ports. During these meetings, we will:

• Gain a shared understanding of the fisheries, the ecosystem, and the communities they impact.

• Discuss and develop a vision and objectives for the FMP, including potential management options and areas for further research.

• Share knowledge and expertise to ensure all relevant perspectives are considered.

• Actively seek participation from underrepresented groups to ensure a balanced partnership.

• Work collaboratively to develop a draft FMP for submission to Defra and the Welsh Government in 2025.

The partnership are committed to open and transparent communication. Meeting agendas and summaries will be circulated to all partners, and information provided during meetings will be used to inform the FMP.

Emma Plotnek, a director of a fishermen's organization (FITF), attended the meeting, here's a summary of her experience:

• FITF just wants the FMP process to work well for everyone involved..
• FITF supports fishermen leading these meetings in the future.
• The government staff running the meeting did a good job considering fishermen's perspectives.
• This well-resourced team has a chance to develop better practices for future meetings.
• Socializing after the meeting is important for building relationships and trust.
• Everyone involved, despite their differences, shares common goals for healthy fisheries and coastal communities.