It's good to talk - and yesterday's meeting at the Mission in Newlyn between representatives from DEFRA and CEFAS and fishermen seems to have resulted in some positive responses from both sides. Agreeing that the way forward is through working more closely together and sharing ideas and data is a good start in the move to reduce discards. Skipper Alan Dwan from the hake netter Ajax usesTwitter to update his followers and merchants while still at sea - letting people know that during is last trip he dumped 2 1/2 tons of dogfish (better known as rock salmon), 300Kg of porbeagle and 200Kg of cod.
Europe will only make changes to quotas when there is good scientific evidence so this meeting could be seen as a real step in the right direction. David Righton from CEFAS described yesterdays meeting as "incredibly useful" - he described the role of fishermen as the "eyes and ears' of the fishing environment as they are at the sharp end. Good to hear a representative from DEFRA use the term "industry led" in describing the work that needs doing.
An example of the research typically carried out by the CEFAS team can be seen here:
Where can I find further information about this and related research? For more information please contact David Righton (david.righton@cefas.co.uk) or Cefas on +44 1502 562244.
Alternatively, please contact Defra’s Marine and Fisheries Science Unit: marinescience@defra.gsi.gov.uk