Unique consortium seeks to bring under-loved Cornish fish to British consumers

A number of key players in the Cornish seafood industry begin new research into the feasibility of bringing Cornish Sole and Cornish King Crab products to consumers across the nation.

A unique project kicked off this month designed to explore options for increased consumption of sustainably-caught Cornish fish and shellfish within the domestic market. The consortium behind the project is a collaboration between the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation, Seafood Cornwall, Ocean Fish, and well-known Cornish chef and author, James Strawbridge. After competing against many other bids for innovative seafood projects, the feasibility study secured funding from the UK Seafood Innovation Fund. 

 

Cornish sole (also known as megrim sole)

It will focus on two under-loved species, Cornish sole (also known as megrim sole) and 

Cornish king crab (also known as spider crab)

Cornish king crab (also known as spider crab) and attempt to identify which innovative methods and processes can be implemented to create sustainably sourced value-added products.

Whilst the value-added market for protein sources such as chicken is well-established, and a wide-range of meat value-added products are available, equivalent ‘ready meal’ style dishes incorporating fish are much less common. Last year Seafood Cornwall, the marketing arm of the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation, launched #FishToYourDoor, a match-making service connecting consumers to Cornish fish merchants to would-be buyers across the nation. Thousands of people signed up to the service, keen to buy local, seasonal, and sustainably-caught British fish, but also to purchase fish and shellfish that came filleted and ready-to-eat. Key insights from this campaign fuelled further ideas for innovative ways to increase domestic consumption of UK-caught seafood, and broaden consumer seafood palates.

Paul Trebilcock, CEO of the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation and leader of Seafood Cornwall, says: “The success from #FishToYourDoor throughout 2020 proved that there is a nationwide demand for convenient and fresh seafood; now it's about harnessing this appetite with under-utilised species. Both Cornish sole and Cornish king crab are delicious and seasonally abundant but prices fluctuate and can be extremely low, and as much as 95% of Cornish sole is currently exported to Europe. This represents a missed opportunity to increase diversity and resilience in the mixed fisheries in the South West. This scoping study is an exciting opportunity to assess whether change is possible.”

Often described as ‘the flat version of sea bass’ and ‘a tastier version of lobster’ by fishermen, Cornish sole and Cornish king crab are two of Cornwall’s most under-utilised and undervalued species. This study, which is the first direct PO-processor collaboration in the region, hopes to address these long-standing challenges by using existing data and social science processes to assess the practicability of bringing a bespoke product using one of these species, to market.

“The time is right to tell the bigger story around British fish” says the Head of Retail at Ocean Fish, Victoria Townsend. “It’s not just the imported species like cod, haddock, tuna, bass, prawns and salmon; it’s about promoting British fish. Cornish sole is so popular abroad, and in abundance here in the South West – we should be supporting this species. Cornish sardines have done so well under the Cornish banner, and I think Cornish sole could be an absolute winner too.”

The consortium is also working alongside a Cornish development chef and author, James Strawbridge, in the Ocean Fish experimental kitchens, to explore product testing alongside the latest food trends. This ensures that, based on the initial research phase of the study, the products represent the nation’s tastes and rival those we currently see in supermarkets that use only ‘The Big 5’.

“It is too early to tell what this study will mean for the fishing industry,” continues Paul Trebilcock, “but it’s certainly an encouraging step towards the mammoth task of shifting consumer preferences to increase domestic demand for UK species. Increased demand here would allow fishermen to secure a better price for their catch and avoid exporting; a win-win for British fishermen in the wake of Brexit.”

You can follow the developments of the initial stages of this journey through Seafood Cornwall’s social media platforms.

Tragic accident at sea hits Newlyn fishing community.

MFV Cornishman PZ512 entering Newlyn.

An investigation has been launched following an incident off the Isles of Scilly where one man has died and another crew member was injured, police have reported. Emergency services were called to the Cornishman beam trawler which was fishing 50 miles south west of the Scillys on Saturday.

A lifeboat from St Mary's was called at 06:30 GMT on Saturday with a coastguard helicopter and the Penlee Lifeboat attended when the fishing boat got nearer to Newlyn.

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that one man has died following the incident on Saturday morning (February 6). The fishing boat is now back in Newlyn, Cornwall. 

DI Daniel Massey said: “Police and partners from the Marine Accident Investigation Board, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and coastguard, were informed of an incident onboard a fishing vessel some 50 miles off the Cornish Coast, resulting in the death of one male and the injury to another of the crew.

“The families of those involved have been informed and a joint investigation is now underway.”

An MAIB spokesperson said: “The MAIB is conducting a safety investigation into a fatal accident on the beam trawler Cornishman. Sadly, one fisherman died and another suffered injuries in the accident. A team of MAIB inspectors have deployed to Newlyn, Cornwall.”

Fishing taskforce to tackle Brexit export 'issues'

Fishermen south of the border will be wondering when such a taskforce will swing into action on their behalf  - export issues are not unique to Scotland, far from it:

Full story courtesy of BBC local news website:

A new taskforce set up by the UK Government to resolve the "export issues" facing Scotland's fishing and seafood sectors after Brexit will meet for the first time this week.

The local inshore fleet in Mallaig.

Scotland Office minister David Duguid said its aim is to "work collaboratively across UK and Scottish governments". It comes after industry leaders accused the UK Government of being "in denial" about the scale of the problem fishermen face exporting their catch to the European Union.

James Withers, chief executive at Scottish Food and Drink, told MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee it had been a "dreadful first few weeks" due to problems with paperwork and IT systems crashing.

The introduction of new checks and paperwork since the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31 has caused disruption to exports of fresh fish and seafood to the EU. Producers have expressed frustration at the lack of Government action

£23m support fund for struggling fishing firms Funding pledge to help seafood industry The Scottish Seafood Exports Task Force will meet ever two weeks with representatives from the UK Government and the catching, processing and aquaculture sectors.

Mr Duguid has written to Scotland's Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, to ask if the Scottish government officials will take part in the first meeting this week.

He said: 

"We have had extensive consultations with the industry and have been working day and night to resolve issues around the new arrangements for getting our world-class seafood to customers in Europe.

"From this ongoing consultation with industry representatives, I believe that the gap they would like us to fill would comprise an action-oriented group. 

"This will work collaboratively across UK and Scottish governments, increasing confidence in the seafood and aquaculture supply chain by ensuring that medium and longer-term export issues are resolved."
'Source of frustration' Mr Ewing said he was pleased the UK Government had "listened to our calls" and established the task force.

He added: "If it is to be effective, it will need the full engagement of UK Departments including Defra and HMRC, whose systems and processes are the source of much of the frustration encountered by fishermen and processors in all parts of the UK."

"One of the first issues for this taskforce should be establishing the detail of the UK Government's £23m compensation scheme for fishermen.
"More than two weeks on from the announcement, we are still waiting to hear the detail, never mind hear when the payments will be made."

The Scottish government last week announced a £7.75m funding package to support to fishermen, businesses and harbours.

Peterhead trawler tow RNLI rescue off Peterhead.

On Feb 5, 2021, the RNLI boat from Peterhead launched tonightin treacherous conditions to assist the Opportunis PD96 which was seconds away from crashing into the rocks at Peterhead Breakwater in position 57 29 30 N, 001 46 48 W. 

The alarm was raised at 4.30 p.m. when a fishing vessel was towing another fishing vessel into Peterhead Harbour and the tow broke numerous times due to the stormy weather conditions. Tasked by HM Coastguard, the volunteer crew rushed to the Station, launched the lifeboat 'The Misses Robertson of Kintail' which was on scene within minutes. 

The casualty vessel was dangerously close to crashing into the rocks at Peterhead South Breakwater and due to an easterly gale and significant swell combined with a backwash the conditions were extremely challenging when the lifeboat arrived. However, the crew established a tow at the first attempt at 4.45 p.m. and brought the fishing vessel and its crew back to safety in tough and time critical conditions, saving the five lives onboard. 

If the lifeboat had arrived seconds later the ship would have hit the rocks and it may have been a different outcome. The RNLI crew also requested a helicopter due to the perilous situation. Once in the safety of the port, the tow was handed over to the harbour vessels 'Ugie Runner' , and 'Blue Toon'. The SAR operations were completed at about 5.15 p.m.

It was Patrick Davidson’s first shout as Coxswain. He said: “This was a really tremendous effort by the crew showing great teamwork and seamanship by all involved in really difficult conditions. If we had arrived seconds later the boat would have hit the rocks and it may have been a different outcome. 

“As soon as I saw how close she was to the rocks I immediately requested the helicopter - due to the perilous situation I realised we only had one attempt to get this right.

“The crew and the skipper of the boat could not thank the lifeboat enough and said they’d be forever grateful which makes all the effort worthwhile.

“There has been weather and flood warnings in place across Aberdeenshire today - the conditions were very dangerous but everyone worked together to ensure the safest outcome.”

Jurgen Wahle, Lifeboat Operations Manager, commended the crew for their quick and crucial efforts to save lives at sea. He said: “This was really a phenomenal performance by all involved, showcasing great leadership from Pat on his first shout as Coxswain and excellent teamwork from the rest of the crew.

“This was a critical incident and the effort from everyone on shore and at sea has resulted in five lives being saved. It is a tremendous outcome, and I’d like to commend the bravery displayed by the crew.”

RNLI Volunteer Crew members remain on call 365 days of the year, even in the current lockdown, to man the coasts and waters. This has meant adapting quickly to align with Government guidelines while ensuring they are still ready to respond when the pager sounds.

Women in fishing.

 

There have always been women in fishing, despite the illogical old saying that it was bad luck to have a woman on board. This short film from the International Organisation for Women in the Seafood Industry is testimony to the role played by women both at sea, on shore and in managing elements of the industry. IFCA, MMO, Cefas and the shellfish companies, Rowse Fishing and The Real Cornish Crab company and many others wouldn't be the outfits they are today without them!

The Scottish Affairs Committee discussed the impact of Brexit and Covid on the fishing industry today.

Key elements of the the Scottish Affairs Committee Commons Select Committee were discussed on R4 Today:

Scottish Affairs Committee Commons Select Committee met today, 4th February at 11:30. and discussed the impact of Brexit and Covid on the fishing industry. 

The witnesses were:

• Jimmy Buchan, Chief Executive, Scottish Seafood Association
• Elaine Whyte, Executive Secretary, Clyde Fishermen's Association 
• James Withers, Chief Executive, Scotland Food and Drink

Most of the issues and solution discussed and put forward by representatives of the industry apply equally and in good measure to the rest of the UK fishing industry.

Or you can listen to the 90 minute meeting in full here:

The Scottish Affairs Committee scrutinises the expenditure, administration and policies of the Scotland Office, and its associated bodies. The Committee also examines the wider UK Government, to assess policies and legislation that lead to direct impacts on Scotland. It is chaired by Pete Wishart MP. You can follow the Committee on Twitter @CommonsScotAffs

Fleetwood registered Spanish flag of convenience vessel Udra landed at Newlyn.

With a draught of over 5m the Fleetwood registered Spanish Flag of Convenience stern trawler Udra is restricted to a berth on the end of the Mary Williams pier...

to land her 8 day trip...

of boxes that filled the waiting refrigerated transport to the doors...

which will transport her catch back to Spain for sale,