Advances in fisheries reform

MEPs tread the fine line between protecting perishing fish stocks and preserving the communities that live off them.

JIm Portus says, "Thank you Aaron!"

Here's an excellent reason to justify the actions of individual fishermen in making their voce heard via new communication tools!

Here, Jim Portus chairman of the South West Fish Producer's Organisation passes on his thanks to Aaron Mcloughlin who has started an online discussion: Campaign to Continue the Discarding of Fish

I am so pleased that a professional fisherman has started of his own accord this sensible debate. As a representative of such fishermen I will find it so much easier to take this argument to the top of the  bureaucracy in Westminster and in Brussels where dyed-in-the-wool desk drivers have been pontificating for a number of years about banning discards without any regard for the practicalities and, crucially ignoring the fact that many species survive quite well the discards process, especially if fishermen are mindful of the need to be prompt with their handling of such fish that they have no need to keep. Many fishermen in SWFPO Ltd and in other sector groups, have been working with enlightened scientists studying the rates of survival with worthy results. Most flatfish, Plaice, Sole, Skates and Rays survive at 40% to 100%, thus a ban on discards would increase mortality without benefit. If inshore small-boat fishers are forced to keep discards there are obvious safety and stability implications, not to mention the dispiriting effects of sorting fish for no reward solely for a landfill site! Well done Aaron.

You have my vote on this!

This follows on from the original post here: 

Busy Saturday for the visiting bloats

No prizes for guessing which boat this Cornish flag has appeared on...

the Dutch beamer Morgenster is still in port undergoing repairs to her derricks...

with a few minor adjustments still to do...

she works these much smaller 3m beam trawls...

unlike the Carhelmar from Brixham seen here replacing the 'dollies' designed to reduce chaffing on the net in the cod ends...

the Wayfinder is looking a sorry sight - probably now free to a good home...

the recent heavy seas have scoured the beach so heavily at Newlyn Green that this adit drain has been revealed for the first time in many years.

No snow just ice in Newlyn!

No snow in Newlyn but those who traveled in from a few miles away were all subjected to a few inches overnight...

with the only ice around being in the boxes of fish waiting for auction...

the White Heather landed late this morning...

with a good shot of twenty tons...

these Zoology students are the first from University of Falmouth to visit the harbour and see the auction in action - such was their dedication that even thought their minibus driver didn't make it because of the snow they rallied round at 5 am to sort their own transport!!...

a good shot of cuttles from the beamers filled the middle market section 

Your Seas Your Voice

Good question! Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a globally used generic term for an area of the sea that is either partially or fully protected from damaging activity. Marine Conservation Zones are a new type of MPA that can be designated under English law.

It is the latter that we are currently campaigning for 127 of, which would mean that 30% of English seas would be protected – the minimum percentage required to provide the network of protection needed.

Report on CFP Report and Low Impact Fishing now available for download

Crick Carleton has started a discussion: Report on CFP Report and Low Impact Fishing now available for download

"Our report to eNGO "Seas at Risk" on the Reform of the CFP and Low Impact Fishing is now available for download from our website - www.nautilus-consultants.co.uk (3rd article on opening page). Using practice reviews and case studies it examines the various dimensions of licensing, quotas, and zonal management, and how these can be used to encourage responsible environmentally sensitive practices. Not rocket science, but does seek to show the interconnections between good order / allocation of fishing rights and the delivery of environmental and social benefits - see simple graphics at the end of report."

Identify the record breaking wreck trip, crew and year

Ar Bageergan - © Phil Lockley

The gill netter, ArBageergan seen here entering Newlyn Through the Gaps with owner and skipper Chris Hill at the helm. Can anyone identify details of the trip - thought to be a record breaking wrecking trip in 1985 - and who are the crew seen on deck?

Update! According to @won3vertrouwen  in March 1988 she made a record with 3700 stone of pollock and ling,grossing 12.000 pound