Final #FishyFriday in May.

Low water on a big spring tide sees the port's largest beam trawler Enterprise high and dry...

while owners of other smaller vessels take advantage of being able to dry out on the hard for a lenghty period between tides to get annual jobs like checking and anti-fouling the bottom  of their boats...

Cornish Lass a piece of Newlyn history is free to a good home if someone wants to take on a small restoration challenge...

the extent to which the harbour dries out revealed...

work continues of the outdoor seating area for the harbour's latest eating venture...

that's a lovely shade of turquoise on Plugger's inshore trawler Shiralee

which would no doubt have appealed to the half dozen artists enjoying a day's painting on the Old harbour...

the Canner's slip is a hive of activity these days...,

a  brace of local lifeboats...

looks more like some muddy estuary at low water...

the never-ending job of gill net repair, small comfort for the non-EU workers who live aboard their boats for the duration of their time fishing in the UK, once, the port had a Fishermen's Mission building with rooms, showers, canteen and recreation room...

now all they have is this tiny ex-office which has now been commandeered by the Newlyn Export Office...

Newlyn's resident seal is not likely to be fed any mackerel any time soon this morning...

as these rather rare fish are currently making around £12 a kilo when they appear on the market...

today's market brings a good mix of quality inshore fish like these grey mullet...

John Dory...

stunning wrasse, which make for great sashimi dishes...

with no netters landing (they don't fish over big spring tides) there were precious few hake on the market, this single jumbo hake was caught by Tom on the harvest reaper...

top species by weight landed by the beam trawl fleet like the Enterprise are Cornish (megrim) sole

along with the odd tub gurnard...

young Mr Smart displays a similar countenance to that of the cheerful looking John Dory he is holding

Dover sole come next in valur to the beam trawl fleet but ICES Area VII quota is scarce, much of it in Belgian and Dutch hands...

every trawlerman loves to see these beauties fall from the cod end at hauling time...

as ever, pristine whiting from the Spirited Lady II

anyone would think it was the middle of winter...

now where did that box of large pollack go?..

this visiting Dutch yacht is due to come out of the water for repairs at the Sandy Cove Boatyard - just goes to show - "build it and they will come"...

Ocean Queen, sadly, there are fewer and fewer of these classically lined Cornish designed and built wooden toshers plying their trade around the coast these days - GRP rules the day. The knock-on effect is a decrease in the superior boat-building skills that are inevitably dying out too.

 

Brexit: fishermen appeal to Emmanuel Macron

 

The UK's continued blocking of all measures to implement the Fisheries Trade Agreement is beyond the National Fisheries Committee.

In a letter sent on Wednesday May 26 to the Presidency of the Republic, the president of the CNPMEM Gérard Romiti alerted Emmanuel Macron to the fact that the delaying tactics on the negotiations of quotas, the rights of access in the 6-12 miles and at Jersey "are installing a climate of total exasperation on the coast" . He officially requests a hearing to examine the political and legal support measures.

Regarding retaliatory measures, the European Council, which brought together the European heads of state on 24 and 25 May, had indicated in its conclusions "invite the Commission to continue its efforts to ensure the full implementation of the agreements, in particular in the areas of fisheries and equal conditions of competition, by making full use of the instruments provided for in the agreements, by continuously coordinating and in permanent dialogue with the Council and its preparatory bodies, in accordance with practice established ” .

Behind this diplomatic language, it seems that the United Kingdom is starting to annoy even the most conciliatory countries with it. The partnership council provided for in the trade agreement, which must be held, in its fishing composition, during the second week of June, promises very tough negotiations according to Pierre Karleskind, who raised the subject this Thursday, May 27 with the commissioner in charge. of peach, Virginijus Sinkevicius. "The decision to initiate retaliatory measures requires legal delays ," said the chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries. But then, the activation of these measures can be fast. "

Full story courtesy of Bernard Jegou writing for Le Marin

Wednesday afternoon's comings and goings in Newlyn.

Young Tom receiving a few words of wisdom from Don...

as he lands a few storm damaged pots...

the St Georges making a quick turnaround landing...

Tom's little girl looking pristine after her refit...

work on the offices has started again - probably the finest view of any boardroom in Cornwall - the office space will be available for booking out as a meeting or conference venue once the refurbishment has finished

Richard heads to the quay with the immaculate looking Still Waters...

Aaron's Arionna crew have a few hours work yet to complete on her seine net...

a nod from Richard to young Mr Page means it is time to let go the ends...

the Billy Rowney is one of the largest boats able to take advantage of the lip.

 

Irish fishermen sail en masse to do "Show and Tell" in Cork town centre.

 

Irish trawlers from every port ceased fishing...

and headed for Cork overnight steaming up the river Lee to the quays at the heart of the famous western-most transatlantic liner port to protest the deal offered by the EU post Brexit.

The scene captured at sea...

and ashore...

Wife of well known Castletownbere fisherman, Damian Turner of the Roise Catriona, Catherine Turner calls out the treatment afforded to Irish fishing families. 

Background and story:

A flotilla of fishing vessels has passed Roche’s Point as they make their way to the quays of Cork city for a “show and tell demonstration” intended to highlight what they describe as unfair treatment by the Government and the EU.

 

"The fishing industry is a vital part of our coastal economy and we need our communities to show their support by attending the public address on the quays in Cork City at 12 Midday," organisers said.

After the rally fishermen and their families plan to walk to the Taoiseach’s office in Turners Cross to hand-deliver a letter outlining the plight of the industry.

 
A flotilla of fishing vessels pass Roche’s Point as they make their way to deliver a letter to Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Video: Larry Cummins. EARLIER: THE quays in the city centre — Penrose, Horgan’s, and Albert Quays, are due to become temporary fishing port berths today when south coast fishermen arrive this morning for a “show and tell demonstration” as they plead with the public to support them in their hour of need.

 

“The public may find it hard to believe what we will tell them; that things are so bad within the industry, but it is the truth. We are not being treated fairly by either the EU or the government who are not protecting the natural resource of Ireland to which Irish people should have the major rights.”

That is what the South West Fish Producers’ Organisation, headquartered at Castletownbere in West Cork, with members in fishing ports throughout the county, says is the reason for the ‘flotilla’ of their boats heading to Cork Harbour today.

 

“Fishermen don’t want to be in this situation. It is not what they want to be doing, but they are left with no choice; things are so bad,” according to the organisation’s chief executive.

 
A flotilla of fishing vessels approaching Roches Point, Co Cork as fishermen unite to raise awareness and seek the support of the public. The fishermen are en route to the constituency offices of Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Turner's Cross, to hand over a letter highlighting the plight of the industry. A flotilla of fishing vessels approaching Roches Point, Co Cork as fishermen unite to raise awareness and seek the support of the public. The fishermen are en route to the constituency offices of Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Turner's Cross, to hand over a letter highlighting the plight of the industry. “We’re down to 16% of the fish in our own waters and that is a crazy scenario,” said Patrick Murphy.

 
“This the fact. This is what we want to show and tell to the public. Fishermen are putting themselves before the public, to show them the boats they have, the huge investment, creating jobs, the families with long traditions who face being forced out of fishing.

 

“The fishing industry is a vital part of our coastal economy and we need community support. It is a dangerous job which they do every day and they deserve better treatment and recognition for it.” The disastrous Brexit outcome means the industry is faced with a situation that leaves non-Irish EU boats with the biggest rights to catch fish in Irish waters.

 
The Taoiseach and government minsters have acknowledged that Ireland got the worst possible deal, of all EU nations, from the Brexit outcome.

 

“Despite all their promises, the government has not achieved any improvement in the situation. The EU has continued to support the bigger fishing nations in exploiting Irish waters,” according to the ISWFPO.

 

“This Irish natural resource is the major support for other EU nations, but not for Ireland. The government allows that to happen and is not doing enough to protect coastal communities in Cork and elsewhere around the country, so we have to show the public what the our situation is.”

The planned flotilla assembles at 7am at Roche’s Point and is then due to sail up the River Lee to Horgan’s Quay. All Covid health and safety restrictions are to be observed, with stewards to ensure compliance and crew staying with the boat groups during the demonstration at Horgan’s Quay.

The ‘show and tell event’ is being co-ordinated with the Port of Cork and An Garda Síochána to minimise any disruption to harbour traffic and commercial business, the fishermen’s organisation says.

“Irish fishermen and women are seeking public support to save our fishing industry.

“There should be a renegotiation of the Common Fisheries Policy so that Ireland is allocated a fair share of fish quotas that reflect the contribution of our fishing grounds to the EU.”

Full story courtesy of the Echo in Cork.

Innovation Fund continues to support a sustainable future for UK Seafood Sector

 £7.6 million from the UK Seafood Innovation Fund has been awarded to 57 projects hoping to transform the future landscape of the UK seafood industry. The most recent round of funding supported 26 projects and offered insight into a resilient, innovative industry looking beyond the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UK seafood sector has experienced an influx of innovation, as the second round of projects funded by the UK Seafood Innovation Fund are underway. More than £3.3M was awarded during the latest round of funding from the UK government programme. Each of the 26 projects have been awarded between £24,900 and £250,000, to support innovative ideas designed to improve the sustainability and resilience of the UK fishing, aquaculture, and seafood sectors.

Professor Fiona Lettice, Chair of the UK Seafood Innovation Fund Steering Group and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of East Anglia said:

“We were overwhelmed with the number and diversity of applications we received to our second funding call. Through a highly competitive process, we have funded a brilliant group of innovative projects that we hope can make a significant contribution to the future sustainability, profitability and efficiency of the UK seafood sector.”

The successful projects address diverse issues across the UK industry – with ten focusing on innovation in aquaculture, eight tackling the future of UK fisheries, and six aiming to improve seafood processing and the supply chain. Other projects are investigating sustainable energy for the fishing and aquaculture sectors, challenges in the underdeveloped seaweed market, and seafood product traceability.

Many of the projects are hoping to use new and emerging technology to improve the sustainability, profitability and efficiency of the UK’s £987 million fishing industry. A feasibility study led by Two Brothers Fishing in Devon has investigated the extent to which the inshore fishing industry could be powered by electric and solar energy – reducing the industry’s reliance on diesel for fuel. Fishing out of Brixham Harbour, this sustainability-focused enterprise has been trialling the use of an electric motor on their inshore vessels. They have also been investigating the feasibility of more eco-friendly traditional Cornish crab pots, made using responsibly-sourced willow. The concept of a dual sustainable fishing system, whereby steps are taken to improve the environmental credentials of both energy use and fishing gear, has been tested and proven to have great potential for inshore vessels. The ability to fish with lower fuel costs whilst fetching higher market prices could lead to an improved economic situation for many inshore UK fishers.

Fisheries Minister, Victoria Prentis said:

“The Seafood Innovation Fund plays an important role in ensuring we have a profitable and sustainable fisheries industry for generations to come.
“These projects highlight the diverse range of innovative ideas from all across our fishing, seafood and technology industries. I look forward to seeing these exciting projects come to life.”

Another project, led by the University of St Andrews, is working with the Scottish inshore fishing industry, and hopes to perfect a prototype device that uses machine learning to automatically identify the size and sex of brown crabs and lobsters. Once finalised, the team aims to install the device on Scottish inshore vessels so they can collect data about the stocks of these shellfish, and ultimately inform future fisheries management decisions.

To support the burgeoning UK aquaculture industry, projects funded by the UK Seafood Innovation Fund are investigating innovative aquaculture solutions, with many seeking to improve the health of farmed fish and shellfish. A team led by the University of Wales in Bangor have determined how precision nutrient strategies – optimising feeding regimes on aquaculture farms – could boost immunity and improve health of farmed fish. By profiling the microbiomes inside fish digestive systems, the group have determined that fish feeding patterns do indeed impact fish health, and by optimising the fish-feed conversion ratio, the efficiency of aquaculture farms can be improved.

Transporting sustainable UK seafood to the plates of consumers in an environmentally friendly way is often an overlooked part of the process, and there is continual scope for innovation within this sector. The UK Seafood Innovation Fund has funded several forward-thinking seafood processing and supply chain projects. One such collaborative project led by Emagine Packaging, based in Kent, has been searching for a viable alternative to expanded polystyrene foam and expensive eco-innovative packaging alternatives. The team have tested packaging characteristics, such as thermal performance and physical properties, and have co-created a distinctly innovative biomaterial with thermally insulating properties and novel structural design features. The team additionally conducted a life cycle analysis to compare the carbon footprint of this novel material with those currently in use.

To improve the accuracy of shelf-life labelling, BlakBear Ltd are developing an innovative low-cost sensor that can be incorporated into seafood packaging and can measure the freshness of seafood. The project hopes the sensors will ultimately extend seafood’s shelf-life, therefore reducing food waste and minimising associated environmental impacts, whilst improving economic returns for the seafood industry.

Since its inception, the UK Seafood Innovation Fund has now supported 28 feasibility studies in testing novel, innovative ideas at the early stages of development. Five of the 14 feasibility projects funded in the first round in 2019 have demonstrated excellent potential to benefit the UK seafood sector – with the creation of new markets and jobs, and improved productivity through sustainable methods. An additional £1.2million has now been awarded across these five projects, to continue their research and development over the next 12 to 18 months.

One of these projects, led by R3 IoT Ltd, a Glasgow based communications technology provider, are developing a smart, web-based platform that enables precision fish farming. The team hopes to use the technology to turn large amounts of raw sensor data from fish farms into valuable, actionable intelligence to better inform management decisions. The combination of farm sensor data and external datasets, including satellite imagery, will provide the highest quality information for aquaculture sites.

To work towards the continual improvement of the UK Seafood Innovation Fund throughout its life, an independent evaluation is being conducted alongside the full 3-year programme. Spring 2021 marks the second anniversary of the launch of the programme, and the evaluation team have recently delivered recommendations to guide the programme’s evolution. Though it is currently too early to assess the full impacts of many projects, initial findings are positive and evidence from consultations across the sector indicate that the innovations awarded funding are delivering the anticipated objectives - kick-starting a step-change in innovation across the UK seafood industry.

At the start of 2021, 31 newly-funded projects joined the cohort, which now totals 57 projects funded by the UK Seafood Innovation Fund over the past two years. This wide-ranging compilation cements the UK government’s programme as a key driver behind innovative research and development, focused on transforming the future of seafood.

Visit the UK Seafood Innovation Fund Website to learn more about these exciting projects: www.seafoodinnovation.fund/projects.

UK’s first Wildlife Bycatch Mitigation Hub

Clean Catch UK launches the UK’s first Wildlife Bycatch Mitigation Hub Cutting edge, interactive web portal hosts information on over 65 different approaches to reduce wildlife bycatch and entanglement. The collaborative platform provides a common reference point for all stakeholders working on sensitive species bycatch, and will aid in delivering the Fisheries Act’s Ecosystem Objective.

Following the enshrinement of the Fisheries Act in law in late 2020, Clean Catch UK has announced the launch of an innovative online Hub which will support collaborative efforts to reduce wildlife bycatch in UK fisheries. The cutting-edge Bycatch Mitigation Hub hosts information on 65 different techniques or devices that aim to reduce interactions between fishing gear and various non-target, sensitive marine species. Whilst the thinking behind the Hub far predates the Fisheries Act, the Hub will support the delivery of the ‘Ecosystem Objective’ within the Act, stating that ‘incidental catches of sensitive species are minimised and, where possible, eliminated’.

Clean Catch UK is a national forum of stakeholders from across the UK Government, fishing industry, research, and NGOs, working collaboratively to reduce wildlife bycatch in UK fisheries. The programme endeavours to be inclusive, fostering trust and expert dialogue between stakeholders, whilst working in partnership with - and led by - fishing communities. Taking a holistic, three-tiered approach, the programme is made up of three groups: the National Steering Group, which focuses on bycatch policy; the Regional Working Group, who assess and interpret study data and exchange scientific expertise; and the Local Focus Group in Cornwall, where fishermen trial techniques and monitor bycatch on-the-water.

The first of its kind for the UK, the Hub brings together fishers’ insights and practical information on how to deploy the techniques, along with scientific study findings, acting as a common reference point for all stakeholders working on sensitive species bycatch.

Dale Rodmell, Assistant Chief Executive of the NFFO, stated:

“No fisherman wants wildlife bycatch and entanglement - which is not only regrettable but costly, as fishing operations can be disrupted and gear damaged. Working out the best strategies to minimise bycatch relies on the sharing of practical knowledge and experience, and applying this to the circumstances of individual fisheries. The Hub represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to reduce wildlife bycatch, by hosting information from multiple different sources in one place, in an easy, engaging format for fishermen to explore.”

The Bycatch Mitigation Hub has been purpose-built to be easy-to-use and accessible, providing fishers, researchers and the general public with details about possible techniques and devices, in a simple, yet informative manner. The Hub is searchable by gear type - trawl, hook and line, pots and traps or nets - and species - seabirds, marine mammals, and sharks and rays - providing users with personally-tailored results. The information on each mitigation measure has been informed by a combination of peer-reviewed scientific research, international best practice guidelines, and NGO infographics, and includes case studies from fisheries around the world. With only a few of the mitigation techniques proven to be effective, and few having been studied in the UK, the Hub is a ‘starting point’ for users to get in touch with the Clean Catch UK programme and undertake further studies to inform bycatch mitigation here in the UK.

Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis said:

“The launch of the Clean Catch UK hub will support innovative and collaborative action to reduce fisheries bycatch and entanglement.
The Fisheries Act outlines our intention to minimise and eliminate incidental catches of sensitive species, where this is possible. Alongside Clean Catch UK, we will progress this vital objective, supporting our fishing industry and helping to protect our precious marine life.”

The programme’s Local Focus Group is already studying the effect of acoustic pingers and lights in certain Cornish fisheries, the results of which will be used to update the information on the Hub. As a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Clean Catch UK welcomes comments and additions from all users and will be continually updating the Hub to reflect new research findings and developments in technologies.

Find out more about Clean Catch UK here: https://www.cleancatchuk.com/hub/

Summer seems to be still at bay.

Gale force winds have pushed all but the hardiest boats back to port this weekend...

giving no respite in the weather for the smaller trawlers in the fleet including those visitors from Brixham...

be interesting to know the providence of this huge anchor now located by the Fishermens Rest in the Old Harbour...

which is currently the subject of superficial restoration work...

some aspects remain almost unchanged for centuries...

though these days there is just the one lugger drawn up on the beach...

the St Ives lugger Baranbas now has her masts serviced and in situ...

both Penlee lifeboats were out on exercise this morning.

in near gale conditions. Seems Spring hasn't really happened as yet.