Small boats and under-10m vessels have always been the backbone of the UK’s fishing industry. From the early starts to the working decks, our local harbours rely on these vessels to keep coastal communities thriving. However, in an ever-changing regulatory and economic landscape, ensuring the voices of inshore fishermen are heard at a national level is often an uphill battle.
Enter the English Small Scale Inshore Fisheries Network (SSIFN).
Born out of a genuine need for collective action, the SSIFN aims to unite small-scale fishermen, coastal communities, and associated businesses across England. The primary goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange, build capacity, and create a strong, harmonious voice for the inshore sector.
How It Started
The seeds for the network were sown in the autumn of 2024, when two national workshops in Poole and Whitby brought together 120 participants—including 53 active fishermen—to discuss how to maintain a sustainable inshore industry. The resounding takeaway was clear: inshore fishermen need a platform to be heard and the ability to act collectively.
Following this, representatives from 15 fishermen's organisations met in February 2025 to figure out how to turn this need into reality. Today, the network is supported by key industry pillars, including the Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association (PFSA) CIC, Renaissance of East Anglian Fisheries (REAF) CIC, the NDFA, South Coast Fishermen's Council, the Mudeford & District Fishermen's Association, and Ashley Mullenger, with funding provided by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
New Leadership to Shape the Future
For this network to be effective, it has to be built by fishermen, for fishermen. To help drive this forward, the network's temporary steering group has brought on dedicated support to turn this initiative into a fully operational body.
As recently shared in their latest update, Sally Symns-Heard has been newly appointed to work alongside the steering group. Sally will be instrumental in taking direct feedback from the industry and helping to form the official structure of the network. Her appointment marks an exciting milestone in moving the SSIFN from a collaborative concept into a structured, unified organisation.
Get Involved
Over 75 fishermen have already stepped up to register their interest. If you want to be part of shaping a united future for our inshore fisheries, now is the time to have your say.
The SSIFN is currently running a questionnaire to determine exactly how the network should be built. While the final setup will be an ongoing collaborative process, your input will give Sally and the steering group the vital foundation they need to get it right.
Let's keep our local harbours doing what they’ve always done—only now, with a united voice behind them.
