Fishing News is pleased to announce that the 2019 Fishing News Awards will be held in Aberdeen on the evening of Thursday, 16th May 2019.
The event is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the achievements, expertise and innovation in the UK and Ireland’s commercial fishing industries during 2018.
The Doubletree Aberdeen Treetops hotel will once again be our venue, and it promises to be another night to remember. This year’s proceedings will be hosted by Scottish comedian Des Clarke, who will MC the awards and provide after-dinner entertainment.
Shortlists and Voting
The shortlists have been prepared from nominations from across the UK and Irish fishing industries. Now it’s time for you to vote for your favourites in 10 of our 14 categories via our online voting system. Please note that all votes are FREE.
Winners of the remaining 4 categories – Young Fisherman of the Year, Port of the Year, The Sustainability Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award – will be determined by a panel of judges drawn from the fishing industry, using all supporting evidence provided through the nomination process.
Voting starts on Tuesday, 5th March 2019, and will close at midnight on Thursday, 18th April 2019. Results will be announced at our gala Awards dinner in Aberdeen on May 16th 2019.
SHELLFISH FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR
To be awarded to a UK- or Ireland-based fisherman who has made a clear commitment to shellfish fishing in 2018.Skills, determination, leadership ability and adaptability to changes in today’s industry are all important qualities.
Shortlist
Jamie Clarke, Osprey BA 4
Jamie has rapidly worked his way up to skipper after displaying great leadership abilities, through exemplary work ethic, care of the catch and undertaking of extra responsibilities, and is one of the best queenie skippers in the fleet. He is wholly committed to sustainability, spearheading a modern outlook through the latest thinking, dedication, and sharing acquired knowledge with colleagues. His positive can-do attitude and old-school morals have set him in good stead for becoming a powerhouse in his chosen sector. Hardworking, conscientious, talented skippers like Jamie are needed to modernise the industry and to inspire the next generation.
Alasdair Maclean, Dawn Treader OB 461
Alasdair ‘Steptoe’ Maclean has been a prawn creel fisherman for at least 40 years, and has seen many changes since he started, but still loves it as much as ever. Dawn Treader is his pride and joy, and it is a longstanding joke that he’s often seen or heard at the pier at 4am. Alasdair is generous with his time and knowledge, and helps people out, but doesn’t think he’s special; he’s just doing his job, and helping to promote a positive image of the industry. Alasdair hopes that one day his grandson Rio will take over from him as skipper of Dawn Treader.
The Fishing News Awards 2019
After a long and varied fishing career, Andrew now fishes single-handed, targeting lobster around Newlyn and Mousehole. His daily catches of shellfish, including lobsters and spider crab, go directly to The Fish Shop in Camberley, Surrey. He has been an inspiration to other young fishermen who now follow his model and sell their catch directly to the end user. He helped to reinstate a direct rail link with fish wholesalers in London, works with the Newlyn Lobster Hatchery, has worked closely with CEFAS to help further research, and is a volunteer with Penlee lifeboat.
Ryan Stevenson, Lady Isle N 264
Ryan started at 16 on his own 16ft creel and mackerel boat from Kilkeel, and worked his way up to a 12m steel scalloper that he bought last year, aged 23. He works off the west coast, from Scotland down to Land’s End, and off Dieppe. He doesn’t follow the crowd, but decides where he wants to go, and sets off – often to places he’s never been before – in an effort to expand his fishing practice and experience. Ryan has shown commitment throughout his fishing career as a skipper/owner, staying away from home for long periods. He is very skilful at his job and is a well-liked and respected skipper all along the coast.
Dominic Welsh, J-Sea E 333
Dominic left school at 14, but was determined to own his own boat one day. He sat for his skipper’s ticket at 21, and became one of the youngest skippers in the country. He started with a small Orkney longliner, and through sheer hard work and gritty determination, at 28, he now owns the scallopers J-Sea and Autumn J. He shows excellent leadership skills, determination and 100% commitment to scallop fishing. Dominic strongly believes that we must encourage and support youngsters who are interested in fishing as a career, as this is key to its future survival.
To see other category shortlists, click here
Highlights of the 2018 Fishing News Awards evening:
