Top of the agenda during Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon's visit to Newlyn today will be cod - the current quota is so small that many tonnes of cod are being dumped by boats unable to avoid catching cod. It is likely the Minister is going to short shrift from local fishermen very keen to see something done to end cod discards on such a large and wasteful scale. Many boats are capable of catching the quota in a day or even single haul!
Local Lib-Dem MP, Andrew George invited the minister to meet with representatives of the Under10m sector in particular. After visiting Newlyn Fish Market, a meeting with the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation and a period on board the IFCA Fisheries Protection vessel, the St Piran, Mr George will then welcome the Minister to a meeting with fishing industry representatives in the Fishermen’s Mission at Newlyn.
In the past well, known local fisherman 'Grimmy' Mike made his point to the then Fisheries Minister, Jonathan Shaw when the fish in question being dumped in huge quantities was haddock.