DEFRA letter reveals they have been aware that pollack stocks have been in decline for years!

The key extract from the letter which admits that Defra has known for 37 years that pollack stocks were on the decline.

A letter from the Permanent Secretary to Environment Minister, Steve Barclay MP, has revealed that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has known about the decline in pollack stocks for “over 37 years” but failed to act.

In June 2023, the development concerning the declining pollack stock in the ICES Areas 6 & 7 led to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) to issue a zero Total Allowable Catch (TAC) advice for pollack in 2024 to allow the stock to recover.

Ed. ICES picture of pollack is here - based on landing figures - in the last 25 years many boats have been removed from the fishing effort that would have contributed to higher landings going back that far - for a start, the Breton fleet that would have fished extensively in Area VII is a shadow of its former self and these days there is only one >12m trawler from Newlyn capable of catching pollack in any quantity.

This decision was accepted by the UK government who implemented a prohibition on a targeted pollack fishery in Area 7, in South-West England as of 01 January 2024. The decision prompted discussions on potential compensation schemes for affected fishermen, and on 10 April last, Environment Minister, Steve Barclay MP, announced a scheme which would see around 50 vessel owners directly compensated for half their income lost due to the bycatch-only pollack fishery. The Environment Minister took the decision to implement the compensation scheme directly via a ministerial direction.

On taking the decision, the Environment Minister had acted against the advice of Permanent Secretary at DEFRA, Tamara Finkelstein CB. The Permanent Secretary had written to the Minister outlining the steps taken by DEFRA, including measures to support affected pollack fishers. These measures include expediting Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) applications for under-10 metre handline pollack fishers to facilitate diversification and initiating a scientific study led by Cefas to improve the evidence base on pollack stock.

However, Finkelstein also discussed the Minister’s request for a compensation scheme for fishermen in the South-West who were economically dependent on pollack fishing in 2023. Finkelstein stated that the proposal did not meet the requirements of the Accounting Officer test for Value for Money. She highlighted concerns about the availability of alternative income streams for fishermen, including publicly funded benefits payments and opportunities for diversification.

More disturbingly though, the letter reveals that DEFRA has known that pollack stocks have been in decline for “over the past 37 years”.

The letter states that fishermen should have taken steps to diversify, but the question has to be asked, “How could the fishermen targeting pollack in the South-West have known to diversify when the Department knew about the “clear downwards trajectory” of the fish stock, but fishermen were not informed?

It also begs the question, why is the government launching new research into pollack stocks if the information is already at hand, judging by the contents of the letter from the Permanent Secretary?

Responding to the revelation, Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Labour’s Daniel Zeichner told The Fishing Daily today:

“It is deeply concerning that DEFRA appear to have been tracking a downward trend in pollack for many years and yet failed to put in place any management measures to stop it. “This is an absolute failure of fisheries management that has left fishermen and their families struggling and a stock at risk. “There is a special irony that they seek to blame the fishermen dependent on the fishery for not having taken action earlier while Government themselves have taken no action. “It’s the job of the government to manage stocks, not fishermen. “How many more fisheries are in this position?” he concluded.

Full story courtesy of Fishing Daily.

It s also Wwell worth considering the Cornish Fish Producer Organisation's recent 'ecosystem' position on pollack as given here.

Here is the letter in full.

Fine(r) weather at last over the weekend.

Time to head off to sea for breakfast...

as the handliners land at the market...

while others get ready to take on a few cuttle pots...

that last, long look ashore as the boat heads for the gaps away on another trip...

full steam ahead...

on a morning that for once is only mildly hinting at rain...

that's the landing sheet updated for Monday's market...

early season yellow-welly visitors...

some things are just not meant to be used as moorings...

Emi-Lou, all set to go back into the water after her paint-up...

at last the north quay is devoid of boats after a week of incessant strong winds and big tides...

once these little fellas begin to get those rusty-coloured feathers in their plumage they look to head west, for Canadian waters...

Sheila T looking good.

 

Pollack: How an ecosystem approach could inform more intelligent management of the perceived decline in the pollack stock.

Following this week's announcement on compensation for pollack fishermen - those for whom most of their fishing activity being the most affected - and in light of the drastic intervention by ICEs - the Cornish ish Producers Organisation has produced a paper seeking a pragmatic solution to what many would describe as an unwarranted management disaster.

Chris Ranford, Chief Executive of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, said:

"It is positive to see the continued government attention on finding solutions to the ongoing challenges as a result of the current restrictions on the pollack fishery. Creating some financial support for part of the fleet will no doubt be welcomed by those eligible for compensation and we await to see the full details of the scheme before offering further thoughts. "In our efforts to improve the long-term management of the pollack stock, we have since been working closely with the UK government and - as it is a jointly managed stock – the EU. Earlier in the year the CFPO co-hosted a workshop with a diverse range of CFPO members, fisheries managers and scientists to discuss the necessary science and data needs to improve the understanding of the stock. The CFPO remains proactive in finding pragmatic solutions to managing the pollack fishery."

Industry shock - NUTFA to close!

Let's just give this disastrous news further context.  Of the entire UK fishing industry, 80% fish from boats, over 4,000 in total, that are less than 33ft long (10m). A huge number of those are worked singlehanded, a handful from large ports like Newlyn and Peterhead but the vast majority from tiny harbours, coves and even beaches around the entire UK coastline.

Just a few of the handline fleet fishing for mackerel off Lands End in 1981.

Many producer organisations, like the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation and the South West Handline Association, were created back in the 1970s to fight for and protect the livelihood of inshore fishermen. 

Almost the entire Scottish pelagic fleet anchored in Mounts Bay, 1980.

In the case of those two, both were formed during a time when a huge fleet of mid-water boats, the UK's biggest trawlers and the entire fleet of Scottish purse seiners fished for mackerel in the Western Approaches - mackerel being the mainstay of inshore fishermen for a huge number of boats from Weymouth to Milford Haven at the time.

Inshore fishermen were fighting for an exclusive 12 mile limit back in the 1970s - that can, one of many that Jerry mentions, despite all the plaititudes of Brexit when the likes of Gove promised fishermen that "we're going to take back control" is STILL being kicked down the road.

When Jerry Percy, founder of NURFA says, as in his statement below, 

"I think it is a tragedy that 60% of the fleet have been treated so shabbily by administrations going back decades. Ignoring the fleet has resulted in a lack of fish on the inshore grounds, ineffective management of larger vessels and the deafening sound of cans being kicked further down the road, such as the unacceptable delay in controlling the ravages of the fly-seine fleet in the Channel"

So now we have a situation where, as he points out, the very existence of the industry in the country is in danger of a free-fall into decline. The main reason is the inability to attract new recruits - traditionally many of these would come into the industry via the family or friend's boats - and more often than not starting before tey were even in their teens - now you cannot step aboard the smallest boat in the fleet with mandatory courses and aged 16. Many boats over 10m in the fleet are crewed almost exclusively by migrant crews on temporary contracts. Who and how are the skills needed to go out and catch fish going to be passed on to? Go to your local or even university library, you won't find a single book on how to be an 'inshore fisherman' - they just don't exist.

Obviously, external forces are dictating change to many industries like fishing; but where is the protection for the way of life? - the very thing that millions holiday for, or visit to write about or capture on canvas or film? The 2012 prediction recounted by Jerry is steaming towards us as fast as a 1700hp fly-seiner. Just two over 10m crabbers in the southwest work over 12,000 pots between them, the affect on shell-fishermen working the inshore grounds has never been more under threat.

No-one has fought harder or more passionately than Jerry for the cause of an industry faced with threats to its very existence coming from every conceivable quarter, be it totally disproportionate and ill-conceived legislation on grounds of physical health or vessel safety to fish stock quotas that also disproportionately punish fisherman who catch less in a year than a single big boat catches in a single haul. Without NUTFA, the adage, 'divide and rule' will never have been more apt.

Here is Jerry's NUTFA closure announcement in full.

NUTFA was the only UK organisation specifically dedicated to the support, survival and development of the Under Ten Metre Fleet.

The NUTFA Team would like to thank all those who have put their trust in us to achieve all our aims for a viable and profitable under ten sector.

NUTFA is a non-profit making organisation and represents the under 10m and non-sector at local, UK and EU levels, defending their rights and fighting for their future.

NUTFA represents all under ten sectors, quota and non quota, trawlers and netters, liners, shell fishermen and all other licensed fishermen trying to make a living from the sea.

UK and European fishing politics has been dominated for too long by the interests of the over ten sector, NUTFA represents the interests of the under ten sector at Local, Advisory Council (AC), European Commission and Parliament meetings as well as continuing to press for fairer recognition and a better deal from DEFRA and the MMO.

Currently working tirelessly through the challenges of the uncertainty of the impact of Brexit and the navigating the challenges that will be faced by fishermen from 2021 onwards.

NUTFA, born from a need to right the wrongs of quota allocation, now fights for everyone within the sector on every issue that might affect them.

Offering advice and assistance for fishermen on a vast range of issues including hand holding with paperwork and advice on grants and entitlements. More recently NUTFA have set up a law clinic, with assistance from fisheries lawyers across the UK who volunteer time and experience, to assist fishermen with challenges they face with regulatory compliance and enforcement issues.

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