Responsible Fishing Scheme

Over the past month Mick Bacon and Jim Hyam from Seafish have been working with the South West Hand-liners Fishing Association (SWHFA) to try and get the whole group assessed to the Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS). Over the next couple of months they will be organising a series of coaching sessions so that members can undergo the various stages of the RFS audit process.

The group mainly consists of small inshore vessels, which number around 85. The Responsible Fishing Scheme has been developed to raise standards in the catching sector, enabling those within the seafood supply chain too demonstrate their commitment to the responsible sourcing of seafood.

Some of the benefits for members who join the scheme will be...

Reduced audit fee, free for SWHFA members.

2000 free RFS fish tallies with your vessels name and number, clearly displayed.

200 Shellfish Tags, uniquely numbered and contain the RFS website address allowing the purchaser to lookup and find out who caught the Lobster or Crab in question. This is not a new concept to the SWHFA members, but an extension to an already well established successful scheme.

More information on existing vessels and one's currently going through the audit scheme can be found at the following address...

Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme

Mick Bacon going through the audit process with Kevin Penney at the Cornwall Seafood offices.