Friday, 6 July 2012
Foul weather foretold for this Fishy Friday - well it IS July
Phil McMullen's thoughts on the Sunday Times' cod and other quota catastrophes
Following an article which appeared in Delicious magazine with chef Mitch Tonks who has gone to great lengths to source sustainable cod for his restaurant.
Latest blog posting from Phillip McMullen on the Seafgish blog:
On the same day I read, 'Norway, Iceland cod stocks booming', 'Cod will vanish in 10 years', 'EU: fish stocks improving', and 'EU...could decide whether species go on hurtling towards extinction'.
Whilst I could subscribe to much of the medicine prescribed in the Sunday Times 'rescue agenda' I fear that much of the diagnosis is based upon a rather muddled interpretation of the source material; hence the contrasting headlines with other publications.
One very important principle is to look at trends over time rather than cherry pick averages or single year 'snapshots'. Another is to acknowledge that just as 'The last decade has seen a relentless succession of reports suggesting stocks of wild fish are in catastrophic decline'; it's also true to say that more scientifically-based reports have shown a series of success stories in better management and stable and rebuilding stocks. We do have problems, but we also have plenty of very effective solutions. The process of transition is usually political but the fishing industry also has a role to play.
Where does this take us? Well the Commission's own report (COM (2012) 278 final) manages to confuse 'overfishing' and overfished (they are quite different things) but even so the 10 year average of stocks overfished is 79% whereas the trend is strongly and consistently downwards and the level is currently 47%.
But, for whatever reasons, we don't have the data to assess the status of around 65% or our 'managed' NE Atlantic stocks and that, extraordinarily, is on a rising trend! As we don't have the resources to increase 'scientific' assessment, this represents a great opportunity for fishermen to contribute data on the commercial and non-commercial catches that they take.
The target of achieving 'maximum sustainable yield' by 2015 was caveated by the UN declaration with 'where possible'. This recognises that the marine environment is complex, often unpredictable and fish don't always behave themselves! Let's keep the date in mind but be realistic and accept that the direction of travel is more important than a hard target.
Likewise the strategy for banning discards: the hard targets for groups of species over the next few years also needs to recognise that there are some fisheries that will require more patient application of technology and psychology over a longer timeframe. That's not a cop-out, it's a recognition of one of the CFP's current failings; prescriptive and centralised management. More sensitive local measures should be the preferred option.
Finally, all the available evidence from areas about to be designated as conservation zones suggests that, even where levels of static gear fishing are high, those areas enjoy 'good conservation status' and 'full ecosystem function'. The case may be made for some 'no-take zones' but if management measures are based upon evidence rather than assertion then these are likely to be the exception rather than the rule.
Philip MacMullen, Head of Environment, Seafish.
 |
| XXL Cornish cod landed by the beam trawler Trevessa. |
On the same day I read, 'Norway, Iceland cod stocks booming', 'Cod will vanish in 10 years', 'EU: fish stocks improving', and 'EU...could decide whether species go on hurtling towards extinction'.
Whilst I could subscribe to much of the medicine prescribed in the Sunday Times 'rescue agenda' I fear that much of the diagnosis is based upon a rather muddled interpretation of the source material; hence the contrasting headlines with other publications.
One very important principle is to look at trends over time rather than cherry pick averages or single year 'snapshots'. Another is to acknowledge that just as 'The last decade has seen a relentless succession of reports suggesting stocks of wild fish are in catastrophic decline'; it's also true to say that more scientifically-based reports have shown a series of success stories in better management and stable and rebuilding stocks. We do have problems, but we also have plenty of very effective solutions. The process of transition is usually political but the fishing industry also has a role to play.
Where does this take us? Well the Commission's own report (COM (2012) 278 final) manages to confuse 'overfishing' and overfished (they are quite different things) but even so the 10 year average of stocks overfished is 79% whereas the trend is strongly and consistently downwards and the level is currently 47%.
But, for whatever reasons, we don't have the data to assess the status of around 65% or our 'managed' NE Atlantic stocks and that, extraordinarily, is on a rising trend! As we don't have the resources to increase 'scientific' assessment, this represents a great opportunity for fishermen to contribute data on the commercial and non-commercial catches that they take.
The target of achieving 'maximum sustainable yield' by 2015 was caveated by the UN declaration with 'where possible'. This recognises that the marine environment is complex, often unpredictable and fish don't always behave themselves! Let's keep the date in mind but be realistic and accept that the direction of travel is more important than a hard target.
Likewise the strategy for banning discards: the hard targets for groups of species over the next few years also needs to recognise that there are some fisheries that will require more patient application of technology and psychology over a longer timeframe. That's not a cop-out, it's a recognition of one of the CFP's current failings; prescriptive and centralised management. More sensitive local measures should be the preferred option.
Finally, all the available evidence from areas about to be designated as conservation zones suggests that, even where levels of static gear fishing are high, those areas enjoy 'good conservation status' and 'full ecosystem function'. The case may be made for some 'no-take zones' but if management measures are based upon evidence rather than assertion then these are likely to be the exception rather than the rule.
Philip MacMullen, Head of Environment, Seafish.
Hunt goes on for Cornish Sardines
The ring netter Asthore spends another long night looking for Cornsih Sardines off Lamorna. The track taken byv the boat can clearly be seen using AIS.
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Free Sea Safety Training for Cornwall’s Young Fishermen
Free Sea Safety Training for Cornwall’s Young Fishermen
Following the success of last year’s course, Seafood Cornwall Training is offering another group of young people the opportunity to attend a one day introductory course in Sea Safety. The course is aimed at 14 – 16 year olds, and will be held during the school holidays on August 21st at Carn Brea Leisure Centre and will be free to attend, thanks to the continued support of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, the RNLI and Cornwall’s largest fish processor, Falfish.
Last year, 25 young people from Cornwall’s fishing community benefitted from the free training which was developed by Seafood Cornwall Training and delivered by Seafish and MCA Approved Instructors.
Last year, 25 young people from Cornwall’s fishing community benefitted from the free training which was developed by Seafood Cornwall Training and delivered by Seafish and MCA Approved Instructors.
Sarah Crosbie, Manager for Seafood Cornwall Training explained the need for this course, “Currently young people cannot be issued with safety training certificates required of all commercial fishermen, until their 16th birthday. Therefore, many young people will be out on the water at weekends and in the school holidays without any training in Sea Survival, First Aid or knowledge of how to act quickly and appropriately in an emergency situation.
Seafood Cornwall Training’s Sea Safety Training days are aimed at those young people who spend time on small inshore fishing vessels in and around the Cornish coast. The course will introduce key elements of Fishermen’s Health and Safety, First Aid and Sea Survival in a fun and practical way, ensuring the young fishers are better prepared to deal with any potential challenging situations at sea. We welcome enquiries from those already connected to the industry as well as from those considering a future at sea.”
Speaking about last year’s course Mark Greet from Falfish commented "It was great to see the safety training going on at Carn Brea Leisure Centre; everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the course, especially climbing in and out of the liferafts. Seafood Cornwall Training and their instructors are doing an excellent job providing vital training for under 16's, the future fishermen of Cornwall."
Paul Trebilcock, Chief Executive of the CFPO explained, “CFPO Ltd is very supportive of this initiative by Seafood Cornwall Training. We need young and enthusiastic individuals to join the industry. It is important that we encourage a culture of safety amongst fishermen from an early age, as well as motivating them to learn about the many and varied topics related to working at sea. Hopefully this experience will instil in them, an enthusiasm that they will carry with them in their future careers.”
To find out more and book onto the course contact Sarah or Emma at Seafood Cornwall Training on 01736 364324 or visitwww.seafoodcornwalltraining.
4th July - a first for Through the Gaps!
Hopefully, this will be the first of many posts from Mullion punt fisherman, Kevin Penney aboard the good ship Bess. With his trusty iPhone in hand and some technical wizardry Kevin should soon be posting pics and comments live from sea. Here's a taster of what's to come with a run down of yesterday's fishing in Mount's Bay. Nice one Kevin!
Not many boats ventured out yesterday, weather keeping the inshore fleet in port, but a few did...
Francis hauling pots off Carn Du
On his way across to report his progress
4 keepers from 10 pots hauled, both of us reporting lots of smaller lobsters showing up, good sign for the future, then off up to Tater Du...
local beamer Sapphire with skipper Mike Corin at the helm heading out...
Some nice crab showing up, this one weighing in at 2KG
and lobster as well...
Not many boats ventured out yesterday, weather keeping the inshore fleet in port, but a few did...
and here's the first test video, shot at sea just off Lamorna Cove.......
seen here on the inset map.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)