So, you want to be a fishermean?

 

Download the application form here!

The Seafish three-week Introduction to Commercial Fishing course is for new entrants to the fishing industry. The course consists of two weeks of shore-based training (covering health and wellbeing, safety, gear and catch handling, net mending, rope work and navigation, finances and tax) and one week of mandatory safety courses (Sea Survival, Fire Fighting, First Aid, Health and Safety). We also cover the Seafish Basic Fishing Vessel Stability and Engineering courses.

Immediately following this course new entrants are qualified and can look for berths on commercial fishing vessels usually as a freelance share fisherman.

This induction course will suit both youngsters looking for a career at sea in the fishing industry and older candidates who are looking for a career change and interested in commercial fishing as an occupation.

Cost: A Seafish Training Grant is available to eligible candidates who are at least 15 years old and have no previous fishing experience. You can call us to discuss this and make an application or click here to Download the Application Form.

 

We usually run this 3 week course in July and October

If you wish to start a career at sea commercial fishing in the meantime, you will need to complete the four mandatory basic safety courses first – links are at the bottom of this page.

Course Aim

The aim of this three week course is to provide new entrants to the fishing industry the basic skills to begin working at sea in a safe and useful manner

More specifically the course objectives are:

To reduce accidents amongst new entrants and better prepare them for work at sea.

To give a better understanding of operational practices in every day fishing operations, including mechanical handling (such as winches), to create a safer workplace.

To equip new entrants with the basic skills needed to enable them to positively contribute to the daily work routines and tasks associated with working as part of a team on the deck of a fishing vessel.

Course Content

This course is a collection of the units listed below.

Onboard Fishing vessel operations

Ropes, knots and fishing gear

Net mending and gear making

Introduction to watch keeping and navigation

Basic engineering

Fishing vessel stability

Care of the catch

Introduction to food hygiene

Finances and tax for fishing

Career Plan

Mandatory basic courses

Basic Sea survival

Basic Health and Safety

Basic First Aid

Basic Firefighting

For more information, to attend the taster session or apply for a place on the course:

01736 364324

info@seafoodcornwalltraining.co.uk

Download the Application Form

Cornish fishermen - Your Fisheries Management Plans reminder!

Skates & Rays FMP Newlyn 27th November

Don’t forget the FMP sessions next week. Please come along if you can. You only need to sign up on Eventbrite for the sessions in Brixham and Newlyn, the rest you can just drop in to.

 

Tuesday 26^th November

• Brixham Sprat session - BTA Office – 12.15 – 2.15. Link to sign up:  FMP consultation event- North Sea and Channel sprat FMP (Brixham) Tickets, Tue, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:15 PM | Eventbrite 

• Brixham Skates & Rays session – BTA Office – 2.30 – 4.30. Link to sign up: FMP consultation event- skates and rays FMP (Brixham) Tickets, Tue, Nov 26, 2024 at 2:30 PM | Eventbrite 

 

Wednesday 27^th November

• Mevagissey drop in session – Activity Centre – 09.30 – 11.30

• Newlyn Skates & Rays session – CFPO Office – 2.30 – 4.30. Link to sign up:  FMP consultation event- skates and rays FMP (Newlyn) Tickets, Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 2:30 PM | Eventbrite 

 

Thursday 28^th November

• Padstow drop in session – Lobster Hatchery – 10 – 12
• Ilfracombe drop in session – Training room beside the Harbour Office – 3 – 5

 

Friday 29^th November

• Plymouth drop in session – PTA Auction room –12 – 2

 

Surf's up in the graveyard!

 It's a little bit 'dirty' according to some...

but the Meadery man is prepared to give it a go...

and there's a Weetabix rider too!

A Roadmap to End Overfishing & Restore Life to UK Seas

 

Mission Regeneration: A Roadmap to End Overfishing & Restore Life to UK Seas Overfishing is harming marine wildlife in the UK from Oceana.

• The dire state of UK’s fish populations along with a chaotic and unjust approach to catch quotas means a radically new approach to overfishing is needed to boost ocean health and coastal economies.

 

• We propose a range of measures including establishing a legally binding deadline on overfishing; banning supertrawlers; safeguarding marine protected areas; and making fishing quotas fair.

 

• Eight in ten Brits are concerned about the impacts of declining fish populations on ocean wildlife such as seabirds and dolphins, polling revealed, and 78% backed our calls for stricter limits on catches in UK seas, in line with what scientists say is sustainable.

Following Oceana’s 2023 report showing that half of the UK’s key fish populations were either overfished or critically low, the charity has launched a roadmap to ending overfishing and restoring ocean health.

After speaking to small-scale fishers, academics, and environmentalists from around the UK, the charity developed Mission Regeneration: A roadmap to end overfishing and restore life to UK seas for a fishing sector based on the principles of science, fairness, resilience, transparency and respect.

For each of the five core principles, we provide time-bound actions for government to take. By the end of 2025, the government should have made a legally binding, science-led deadline to end overfishing, along with a ban on ‘supertrawlers’ over 100 metres long, which hoover up vast quantities of ocean life.

The resilience of UK seas in the face of other serious threats, such as the climate crisis and pollution, is also vital and requires measures to rejuvenate and protect ocean wildlife, such as urgently banning destructive bottom-trawl fishing in marine protected areas.

The government must also act to level the playing field so that those that fish with nature, rather than against it, are rewarded with a greater share of quota and more taxpayer money goes towards sustainable practices.

As well as the specific measures that are the building blocks of ending overfishing, the government will also need to organise itself differently. It must move away from siloed thinking: fishing and ocean health are not only issues for policymakers focused on environment or industry, but also climate, communities and trade.

The call for action is echoed by the UK public, according to new polling data. Eight in ten people (82%) are concerned about the impacts of declining fish populations on ocean wildlife, and the same proportion (80%) is worried that those who work in the fishing industry would lose their livelihoods if fish populations continued to fall. A total of 78% of those asked supported the government introducing stricter, science-based limits on how many fish can be caught in UK seas.

Download the report

Report | November, 2024

One in four consumers in the UK are eating less fish than two years ago

Only 1 in 5 people eating NHS recommended two portions of fish a week

One in four consumers in the UK are eating less fish than two years ago

Just 21% of the UK population are eating the NHS recommended two portions of fish a week despite growing concerns around maintaining a healthy diet, according to a new report published by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) today.

Some 80% of UK consumers said they had made changes to their diet in the past two years, with two thirds of those citing health as the main driver for doing so, according to the report - Super Seafood: Sustaining people and planet. Overall, 45% of UK respondents gave some kind of environmental reason for changing diets, demonstrating that concern for the planet, and ocean, is influencing dietary choices.

Despite the desire for healthy, sustainable diets, the report reveals that only a fifth of the UK population currently consume the NHS’ recommended two portions of fish a week (including one oily) as a good source of vitamins and minerals, as well as a means of maintaining a healthy heart. Meanwhile, more than a quarter of consumers (27%) said they now eat less fish than two years ago, with 13% saying they are eating more and almost half (48%) eating the same amount.

Of those who purchased and ate seafood over half (52%) said they would eat more fish and seafood if it cost less, whilst a third (29%) said they would do so if it was produced in a way that doesn’t harm the ocean and over a quarter (26%) citing health reasons for increasing consumption. Over one fifth of people (22%) revealed that if there was greater availability when they shop, it would also lead to them eating more.



The report concludes that, while seafood is an important source of nutrition, if governments are to deliver positive health outcomes through increased fish consumption, support for progressing sustainable fishing needs to be prioritised. Promoting and supporting the availability of sustainable options, such as those carrying the blue MSC ecolabel, to consumers is also needed. The report also highlights that over half (55%) of UK seafood consumers say seeing the MSC ecolabel would make them more likely to purchase a product, and 53% say that they are prepared to pay more for products that come from a certified sustainable fishery.

The findings come amid growing fears about the state of the ocean, and the latest figures released by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization showing more than a third of fish stocks are overfished, at 37.7%, and trending in the wrong direction This new data underscores the urgent need to accelerate progress in sustainable fisheries management. Choosing MSC certified sustainable seafood ensures that stocks are well-managed, and environmental impacts limited. In fact, the MSC estimates that by managing global fish stocks sustainably and eliminating overfishing, we could be meeting the nutritional needs of an additional 72 million people annually.

National food campaigner Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK’s National Food Strategy, co-founder of the Sustainable Restaurant Association and board member for seafood restaurant chain Rockfish, who wrote the foreword for the report, says:

“Wild-caught seafood is a nutritious, affordable and sustainable source of protein. Yet, despite the NHS recommendation to eat two portions a week[1], only 21% of Britons do[2]. As the latest scientific data on overfishing shows, we are right to be concerned about the state of our oceans and the impact increased consumption could have on further overfishing.

“However, there is a way to meet the NHS guidelines without exacerbating the problem – by managing fish stocks sustainably, based on science and choosing to eat certified sustainable fish. Nature, when supported, can rebound and flourish. Governments, businesses, and policymakers need to act to support this – and the UK must deliver on its commitments to implementing a world-leading approach to sustainable fishing.”

The report makes four key recommendations:

Food industry leaders and the UK Government should take a holistic approach to dietary recommendations that include sustainability considerations

The UK fishing industry should be enabled and empowered in the drive towards sustainability

Direct engagement with consumers should be increased and the delivery of a sustainable UK fish and seafood industry prioritised Government must deliver a world-leading approach to sustainable fishing

Over 700 fisheries around the world are currently engaged with the MSC’s sustainable fishing programme. Collectively, these fisheries provide 19% of the world’s wild marine catch. In the UK, MSC-certified fish and seafood makes up 25% of total UK landings, with more fisheries committed to achieving certification. A growing number and variety of MSC-certified seafood products and species can be found in most of the major retailers and in many restaurants across the UK. With over 1,400 different products available there are options for all budgets, from tinned sardines, to sushi and fish pies.

George Clark, Programme Director for UK and Ireland at the MSC, said: “While our report reveals there is a public willingness to change consumption habits and choose more sustainable fish and seafood, to both help the environment and maintain a healthy diet, individual responsibility can only go so far.

“There is a fantastic opportunity here to really get behind UK fishing communities and others around the globe in meeting the environmental and health expectations of consumers. Governments, businesses and industry must work together to raise the profile and grow the supply of healthy, sustainable, wild-caught fish and seafood, for consumers today and in the future.

Fish and seafood must be caught sustainably to meet the nutritional and health needs of the nation without risking further overfishing. Through collaboration and programmes like the MSC’s, we can ensure there’s more fish on our plates for generations to come.”

 In the UK, 1,378 people made up the sample, with 1,073 classified as seafood consumers.

 

Ocean Knowledge 2030 Conference opens in Dublin, charting a bold course for Ireland’s Ocean Future

 

Ocean Knowledge 2030 Conference opens in Dublin, charting a bold course for Ireland’s Ocean FutureThe Ocean Knowledge 2030 Conference officially opened today at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin, marking a major milestone for Ireland’s marine research and ocean sustainability agenda. Organised by the Marine Institute, this two-day event (20-21 November 2024) gathers over 250 leading scientists, policymakers, industry innovators, and environmental advocates to set the research agenda for Ireland’s ocean to ensure a sustainable future for our seas and coastal communities.

Opening the Conference, Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, highlighted the conference's importance: “This conference is a crucial platform for everyone invested in Ireland’s marine future. It’s an opportunity for voices from all sectors—scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and academics—to come together, share insights and expertise, and set a focused research agenda for Ireland’s ocean future. By working together, we can realise the full potential of our ocean while safeguarding it for future generations.”

The conference features a dynamic programme of keynote addresses and panel discussions covering pivotal topics such as climate change, coastal resilience, marine spatial planning, sustainable marine industries, and the conservation of biodiversity. A core focus of the discussions will be to identify the knowledge needs and gaps to inform marine policy and management and to drive innovation in our ocean economy sectors.

Conference Highlights:

One of the event highlights included discussions on Ireland’s Ocean Knowledge 2030 Strategy, a visionary roadmap that charts a path for marine research and sustainability over the next decade. An advanced draft of the strategy was unveiled at the conference. The strategy aims to harness the full potential of ocean research and innovation to secure a sustainable future for Ireland’s seas.

Speaking about Ocean Knowledge 2030, Dr Niall McDonough, Director at the Marine Institute said: “The Ocean Knowledge 2030 Strategy is Ireland's roadmap to strengthening our marine research, knowledge, and innovation capacities from 2025 to 2030. It outlines how cutting-edge research, advanced data, and transformative technologies can tackle critical global challenges such as climate adaptation and ocean health. Our ocean is a vital resource, and this strategy ensures we unlock its vast potential responsibly.”

In addition to discussions on the Ocean Knowledge 2030 Strategy, the first day of the two-day event featured a blend of keynote presentations, strategic panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster innovation and collaboration in ocean research and policy. Highlights included:

Day 1:

· Opening Session: Dr John Bell (European Commission), Sinéad McSherry (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine), and Deirdre Lillis (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science) emphasised the pivotal role of international collaboration in ocean research.

· Session 1: Living with a Changing Ocean Led by Gerard McCarthy from University of Maynooth, this session examined Ireland’s response to changing ocean and climate conditions, with insights from experts including Rosemarie Lawlor of Met Éireann, Karen Wiltshire from Trinity College Dublin, and wildlife broadcaster Colin Stafford-Johnson.

· Session 2: Ireland’s Ocean Economy Panellists explored sustainable development across Ireland’s marine industries, including renewable energy and maritime transport, with contributions from OECD, BIM, SEAI, Fáilte Ireland, and DP Energy.

· Session 3: One Global Ocean International experts, including Olive Heffernan (Science Journalist) and Carl Grainger (Department of Foreign Affairs), examined Ireland’s role in global ocean governance and science diplomacy.

Day 2 (21 November):

The second day will dive into data and management issues essential for Ireland’s ocean space and sustainability. Key sessions include:

· Session 4: Managing the Changing Use of Ireland’s Ocean Space will examine the research needs for managing Ireland’s maritime space. Experts will discuss the increasing use of Ireland’s maritime space for industrial, recreational and conservation needs, and the balancing of ocean health with economic activities.

· Session 5: The Power of Ocean Data This session will showcase how digital technologies and ocean data drive sustainable policies and practices, with insights from the Marine Institute, the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODNet), the Norwegian University of Science & Technology, and the UK National Oceanography Centre.

The conference continues tomorrow (21 November). Stay updated on conference highlights by following #OceanKnowledge2030

To view the full programme visit Ocean Knowledge

Annual Negotiations Underway

 

The first week of the annual fisheries negotiations between the UK and our neighbours is over and it is clear that there is still a long way to go before the various deals are concluded that will determine the prospects of our industry for the coming year. The crucial issue is, of course, determining the level of exploitation that each stock can support. It’s a simple enough concept, but the decision is seldom straightforward.

It is a key principle of modern fisheries management that scientific evidence should underpin the decision-making process. In the context of these negotiations, this means the annual ICES fisheries advice. People who either do not understand the process, or else are willfully disingenuous in their depiction of it, present ICES advice as though it were commandments inscribed on tablets of stone. The word of God: omniscient; infallible; any variation from it, an act of gross immorality.

It is nothing of the sort, of course. There is a healthy academic literature around the misuse and misinterpretation of ICES advice and it would be a refreshing (if entirely fanciful) prospect, were some of the commentators who so uncritically parrot attack lines from the anti-seafood lobby to inform themselves better by reading some of these more objective sources.

ICES does not set out to dictate fisheries management outcomes. It publishes advice: information given to assist others to take decisions. It is not simply an objective statement of definitive facts about the size and composition of each stock. The available data is nowhere near comprehensive enough for that. Instead, ICES advice incorporates assumptions, conjecture, and subjective judgments alongside hard evidence. Nor does it give a single definitive statement for each species. People who seek a scientific-looking figleaf to disguise their antipathy towards others eating fish, may fixate on the ‘headline’ advice, but this is simply one catching scenario among several that ICES evaluates for each stock. It is generally the scenario that a mathematical model suggests will bring the stock to maximum sustainable yield level in the shortest possible time. This isn’t the only way to manage a fishery, however. It is perfectly legitimate to work over a longer period: to accept that a management plan will not achieve perfection immediately, but will instead reach the same endpoint over a more realistic timescale.

And really, why not do that? Why not allow food production to continue, jobs to be sustained, and coastal communities to remain economically secure, at the expense of waiting a year or two longer for an estimated number of fish to reach a point that a computer simulation suggests might be good? We have established the whole apparatus of ICES and set it to work examining multiple different management scenarios. Insisting that we should only ever follow the headline advice is like getting multiple quotes for every purchase but only ever choosing the dearest one. Such an approach is overly simplistic and will in many cases fail to achieve the objectives of good fisheries management.

We need to remember that the purpose of fisheries management is not conservation: it is the production of food in a way that can be sustained indefinitely. The Fisheries Act 2020 and the Joint Fisheries Statement both recognise that this requires social and economic considerations to be incorporated into management decisions, as well as environmental factors. I would argue that, where a region has seen TAC cuts for several years in a row, preventing fishing businesses from becoming unviable must be a central consideration in this. Further cuts should be avoided, or at the very least minimised, unless absolutely essential for the survival of particular stocks. More moderate advice from ICES should be preferred to the inflexible and limited headline statement. The objective of bringing about national benefit includes retaining jobs and producing food, not just prioritising ecological goals on unnecessarily strict timescales.

We have become accustomed to NGO commentators demanding to know how the environment in the abstract has been taken into account when TACs are set – increasingly accompanied by threats of legal action if they don’t like the outcomes. The only thing that this approach sustains is controversy. It would make a truly refreshing change if they showed the same interest was in understanding how evidence of social and economic needs were incorporated into the agreements.

It shouldn’t be that government only focuses those parts of the Fisheries Act and the JFS that the wealthy threaten to sue them about, but it is hard to argue that this has not been the case in recent years. There is a new government in office for these annual negotiations, however. We are watching see if it will be business as usual, or whether they care enough about our industry and our communities to do things better.

Full story courtesy of the NFFO.