This story is for all the Muireanns out there, the passionate young fishers carrying on family traditions. It's a story of challenge, of heartfelt questions, and a call for a sustainable future for our fisheries.
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| Read Muireann's letter in full. |
Muireann, a 14-year-old fisherwoman from Ireland, faces a situation many young fishers encounter across the UK. Like her grandfather before her, she's dedicated to the trade, learning aboard a small inshore boat. But recently, a pollack fishing ban has threatened their livelihood. Here, we explore the concerns raised by Muireann and the wider industry:
The Pollack Dilemma:
Unequal Restrictions: Small boats like Muireann's, traditionally reliant on pollack, face a complete ban, while larger vessels can land pollack as "by-catch" exceeding a small boat's annual catch. This raises a question of fairness, particularly for those with minimal impact on stock levels.
Data-Driven Decisions? The lack of dedicated research on pollack stocks in Area VII raises concerns about the evidence supporting the ban. ICES guidelines suggest insufficient data leads to automatic red-listing. How will future management decisions be informed without proper research?
The Ripple Effect:
Livelihoods at Stake: These restrictions threaten the viability of small fishing businesses, leading to potential job losses not only at sea but also in related shore-based industries.
The reality for many small boats is that they will be forced out of business and consequently, another hole made in their community. Fishing is an integral part of many coastal communities and the consequences of losing just one fisherman in Cornwall for example, means 18 shore jobs are at risk - as can be seen from the CFPO's own report.
Beyond Pollack: Similar quota limitations with questionable data gaps exist in Area VII for other commercially important species like bass, spurdog, skate, and brill.
A Call for Collaboration:
Fishermen as Data Sources: The vast experience and knowledge of fishermen can be a valuable asset in data collection and research.
Technology for Change: Existing technologies can be utilized to integrate fishermen's data into scientific research, moving beyond anecdotal evidence.
The Way Forward:
Muireann's story reflects the anxieties of many in the fishing industry. We urge collaboration between policymakers, scientists, and fishermen to ensure:
Fair and Sustainable Management: Regulations should be based on robust data and consider the impact on all fishing sectors.
Data Collection Revolution: Fishermen's knowledge and capabilities should be incorporated into scientific data collection methods.
By working together, we can ensure a thriving future for our fisheries, our coastal communities, and the generations that follow.
The consequences of the planned action by Defra in their response to the forthcoming ICES announcement last year was this:
A written question asked of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs back in June 2023.
"what assessment he has made of the potential (a) economic and (b) social impact of the reduction in total allowable catch for pollock to zero on the (i) Cornish under ten-metre fishing fleet and (ii) port of Mevagissey."
Mark Spencer The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs replied:
"On 30 June 2023 the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas issued zero-catch advice for pollack 6 and 7 for the first time. In the annual UK-EU negotiations on fishing opportunities, our approach to negotiating catch limits is based on the best available scientific advice, balanced with commitments to economic sustainability and providing opportunities for the UK fleet, consistent with the objectives of the Fisheries Act and Joint Fisheries Statement.
We are aware of the significant potential implications of a zero-catch fishery for pollack. In line with our approach to other zero-advice stocks, we negotiated with the EU a bycatch-only TAC of 823 tonnes for pollack in area 7 (925 tonnes for 6 and 7). This should cover unavoidable bycatch needs for Celtic Sea netters and trawlers and enable this large part of the UK fleet to continue participating in other fisheries.
We recognise that this bycatch TAC will not address some critical needs for certain industry sectors that target pollack. This is informed by initial economic assessments of the value of the fishery and the importance of this fishery to different groups such as ports in Cornwall and under ten-metre vessels, including those using handlines. Officials have also met with industry representatives and heard directly from those affected about the potential social and economic impacts of a zero-catch fishery.
We are continuing to explore potential actions that could be taken to mitigate the impact to this sector.
With respect to further detail on what support is available to fishers, we will soon be reopening the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, which is currently closed for applications. The scheme supports a variety of measures, including diversification and new forms of income. We will be providing more information on plans for reopening later this month. We will also continue to work closely with industry on the longer-term management of pollack, to support its recovery."
What next?
Study furthers aim of offering new insights into pollack populations
In the meantime, Plymouth University are addressing the pollack issue, albeit at a local level, The announcement by Defra of new measures to restrict pollack fishing highlights the urgent need for more data about the species, according to the team working on the Pollack Fisheries Industry Science Partnership (Pollack FISP) project.
The project is collecting data on pollack biology, stocks and movement, and fishers’ experiences. While its data hasn’t been factored into the latest restrictions, which limit commercial fishing to unavoidable bycatch, the project team aims to provide detailed evidence to help inform decisions about the species’ future. Some might suggest that this should have been resreach carried out many years ago when it was onvious from the lack of take up of the pollack quota in Area VII had not matched the quota available - and with no evidence-based answer to the question, why?
Recognising that there is a problem of its making, the Government are implementing a support scheme for those affected by the pollack closure.
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme – Guidance for pollock fishers
The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) offers a range of options which may support pollock fishers impacted by recent fisheries negotiations.
Fast-track FaSS applications
New scientific study - Cefas
FaSS grant fund options
Funding rates
Payments
During recent fisheries negotiations with the EU, it was decided pollock can only be caught as bycatch in 2024. This followed advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) to set the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for pollock to zero.
The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) available in 2024 offers a several options which may support fishers impacted by this change. These options are detailed in the table below.
Fast-track FaSS applications
Applications to FaSS are encouraged from all fishers, but hand-and-pole line fishers of under-10 metre vessels, which includes some of those impacted by the zero Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for pollock, will see their applications fast-tracked. Processing time is expected to be 4-6 weeks, on submission of a complete application with all necessary documentation provided.
New scientific study - Cefas
Fishers affected by the zero Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for pollock will also have the opportunity to take part in a new scientific study led by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).
The study will see collaboration between scientists and fishers to increase understanding about the stock structure of pollock. Fishers will catch pollock for use in the study, receiving payments for their initial training and for their participation in the study – they will also be able to sell the pollock they have caught.
Applications, along with detailed eligibility criteria, will be open as soon as possible and enquiries should be directed to communications@cefas.gov.uk.
FaSS grant fund options
There are several areas of the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme that may benefit fishers:
Type of support Definition of support
Measure 2: Improving energy efficiency of fishing and mitigating climate change You can apply for projects which will expect to see a reduction in fuel use. This could include: catalysers, new propellors, prop shafts, bilge keels, bow thrusters.
Measure 16: Improving the value and quality of fisheries products You can apply for projects which will expect to see an increase in value of catch or net profits. This could include: refrigeration onboard vessel, ice machine, insulated fish boxes, vivier tanks, fish room refurb, processing equipment.
Measure 21: Diversification and new forms of income You can apply for projects which will expect to see an increase in net profits, employment maintained or businesses created. This could include diversifying into recreational sea fishing. Provision of gear is not eligible for FaSS.
Measure 23: Health and Safety You can apply for projects which will expect to see a reduction in accidents. This could include: a net flaker, new windows/wheelhouse replacement, deck replacement, gantry replacement, rope storage reels, deck safety lights, PPE, emergency handheld VHF.
Funding rates
If your vessel is less than 12 metres in overall length and does not use towed gear, you will be eligible for a funding rate of up to 80%. In ‘Measure 23: Health & Safety’ up to 80% funding is available for any vessel up to 12 metres,regardless of gear type used.
Payments
Payments for FaSS are made in arrears meaning you will need to be able to cover the upfront cost.
If your application is approved, an offer letter will be issued outlining the funding package and conditions of grant award. You can then purchase the items set out in the letter and can claim back the amount you have been awarded provided the conditions have been adhered to. You will need to provide evidence to support your funding claim through invoices and proof of payment, by way of a bank statement. Further information about payments and what happens after making an application for FaSS grants can be found on our FaSS post application guidance page.
Further information
Find more information on the general Fisheries and Seaood Scheme guidance page or contact the team using the details below.
Grants team
Marine Management Organisation
Lancaster House
Hampshire Court
Newcastle upon Tyne
