UK GOVERNMENT MUST INVEST IN COASTAL COMMUNITIES - but is there a caveat?

The dream:

UK Government must invest in coastal communities. A new report claims that at least fourteen thousand jobs could be created as part of rejuvenated coastal communities if the Government invests £400 million per year for ten years, instead of the meagre compensation offered to cover Brexit losses.

A report published by Sustain shows how investing in managing fisheries more fairly and sustainably would allow the UK industry and coastal communities – some of the areas worst hit by coronavirus and Brexit-related disruptions – to grow significantly and sustainably in terms of jobs and income, deliver the ‘sea of opportunity’ promised by Brexit, and give significant returns on investment in a remarkably short space of time.

Boris Johnson has allocated some funds to compensate for losses caused by Brexit and Covid-19 including £23 million for exporting businesses. However, apart from an as yet unconfirmed £100 million, there are no plans to support the industry to flourish longer term. This report makes the case for a much larger investment of £400 million per year for a decade. It is calculated that this would allow fisheries to add more than £2 billion annually to GDP from increased catches and associated coastal economies, and would put an end to UK seafood being rejected by businesses over sustainability concerns. At present depleted fish stocks, poor data, and lack of independent verification of sustainability for UK seafood means the fishing industry is failing to meet its full potential.

Ruth Westcott, co-ordinator for sustainable fishing at Sustain said “The opportunities that were promised through Brexit must now be delivered by Government investment instead. The compensation package offered to the industry is money down the drain if it isn’t part of a bigger investment plan. If funding is focussed on recovering marine ecosystems and fish stocks, and allocating fishing rights fairly, the industry could thrive. This report is clear, there are incredible gains to be had – for jobs, for climate change and for nature – from well managed UK seas, and the investment would easily pay for itself within a decade in GDP growth and jobs. This government has promised to level up the UK and with the right support now, our coastal communities could look forward to a better and fairer future.”

Highlights from the report

A Government investment of £400 million is needed to rejuvenate the UK fishing industry, including:

Supporting fishers financially to catch less in the short term where needed to recover stocks. Such compensation for environmental benefits is commonplace in farming. Reduced demand caused by Covid-19 and Brexit offers the perfect opportunity to do this. £30 million per year to ensure all fisheries have sufficient data to be managed effectively Continuing previous EU funding streams with £81 million to invest in sustainability certification and helping fishers switch to more sustainable gear and practices, and £60 million for coastal heritage and tourism facilities. In addition, the Government Buying Standards should be strengthened to ensure public money is supporting sustainable British fish producers.

The proposals in the report would boost jobs and the economy by:

Allowing depleted fish populations to recover, to yield 30% higher landings and create 10,000 new jobs Sharing some of the UK’s quota allocation more fairly, with more for the small-scale fleet which employs more people per fish. This would create at least an estimated 3500 jobs. Rejuvenating recreational fishing and new wildlife-watching could add at least another 700 jobs in tourism. Demand has been growing across the world for sustainable fish, especially in public sector institutions. Many restaurant chains and caterers only serve fish which is either certified sustainable or rated 1-3 by the Marine Conservation Society. Unfortunately, most of the species caught around the coast of the UK at the moment do not meet this sustainability criteria so they are missing out on market opportunities. Some cod, langoustines (scampi), scallops, herring, bream, cuttlefish, halibut, ray, skate and whiting are considered Fish to Avoid by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).

For consumers, recovered fisheries could mean more of our favourites like cod and sea bass, caught in the UK, on shelves and on menus. At the moment these species are mainly imported to meet our demand as UK stocks are depleted. A recovery of marine wildlife could see whales, dolphins and seabirds return to our shores and could be key to unlocking new opportunities in UK tourism. Where fishing harbours, recreational fishing and wildlife tourism have been valued as important assets, they have already seen a boost in visitors and tourism spend.

The Government promised that a Brexit deal would allow UK fisheries to prosper. In fact, the deal has made it more difficult to export fish, and the moderate increase in quota is mainly for species like horse mackerel that are very unlikely to benefit the small-scale fleet. The government has promised to invest in a Green Recovery from Covid-19 and, given the disappointing Brexit deal, fisheries offers the perfect opportunity to do so.

Report courtesy of Sustain.

However, the reality:

It is one thing to create employment and opportunities for job creation BUT, having done so and recruited your staff - where are they going to live?

Your 'typical' 2 bedroom 'fishermen's cottage ...

costs £275,000 in Newlyn...

which mean being able to pay a £10,000 deposit  and £1117.25 per month over 30 years at 3% interest...

worse still, £325,000 in Mousehole.

Coastal towns in Cornwall need affordable housing to rent or buy just as much as they need jobs and job creation - the two are inseparable.

Where do you even begin to respond to the answer given this question in Parliament?

This is not, "taking back control". 

The level of understanding displayed in this response is telling. Just how seriously is the threat of thse hugely powerful and game-changing fishing vessels being taken by the MMO and the Government on behalf of off and inshore UK fishermen?

For the benefit of Victoria Prentis (and anyone else) who doesn't know the difference.

Below, is the Acionna, a typical example of a Scottish seine net vessel with her net as referred to in the written answer to Caroline Lucas' written question:

The largest of the rubber discs on the footrope are around 6" in diameter.

The combination rope used was light enough for the crew to hand haul them recently when they suffered a hydraulic problem with the rope reels that hold them

The Acionna is 24m long and 204 tons and 470hp

Below, is a typical example of the new breed of fly-shooter referred to by Caroline in her question -  seen here in the same berth as the Acionna in Newlyn.

The Annalijdia is 42m long 455 tons and 1275 hp

Spot the difference Victoria?

The Dutch boat has a pair of winches capable of holding 3700 metres (that's over 3 miles) of 50mm seine rope, which can also be used for twin-rigging with Dyneema warp, plus a centrally mounted middle wire winch with capacity for 750 metres of 26mm wire, and which is also prepared for Dyneema warp. The package also includes twin 12m3 net drums built into the aft gantry. She works twin seine nets with 60m heavy rubber footropes.

There is no sense that the minister was provided with anything like accurate or reasonable information in order to answer the question - who was responsible for such mis or dis-information?

Caught on camera, the mid-week market action in Newlyn.

Overcast but warm enough and with a 15' tide most of the netter fleet are away to sea...

Wednesday's market was full of top quality mainly inshore fish...

 from trawlers like the Still Waters...

the only net fish being that from the Ocean Pride landing mainly turbot...

ground fish like these blonde ray...

and monk from the Lucy Too...

along with a few butterfly squid...

while these superb line caught pollack...

came by way of the handline boat, Maverick...

where the catch are gutted, washed and kept in these insulated tubs full of slush ice which is why young Mr Smith's fish always look as if they have just jumped from the sea straight into a box for auction...

seems that these stripey little fish are still only little more findable than rocking horse s**t...

Tom would have had a big smile on his face when this beauty fell out of the cod end on to the deck aboard the Harvest Reaper...

haddock...

Dover sole...

and these pristine red mullet will no doubt find themselves suitably served on restaurant tables not a million miles form Newlyn later today...

keeping the merchants like Mr Smart busy loading...

his newly internally glass-fibred van (nice work Dan) caught in action by Gemma Wearing filming for the Seafarers Charity...

there were 14 of big yachts using Newlyn the other day, proof that if you build it they will come...

while there's still a building work to be done aboard the Billy Rowney...

time to take fuel across the deck of the Sapphire II for this immaculate and classic tosher.

Job vacancy - CFPO seeks a new CEO.

For 20 years, the CFPO has been headed-up by Chief Executive Paul Trebilcock. Following Paul accepting a new role elsewhere in the industry, the Board is now keen to hear initial expressions of interest from potential candidates for the position. 

This role is central to Cornish fishing: you'll need to act as the voice for over 150 fishing vessels, big and small, to champion our vibrant, sustainable fisheries at a challenging time. It requires energy, enthusiasm and an ability to engage directly and effectively with our diverse membership, wider fishing industry, scientists, buyers and decision-makers at the highest levels. 

Think you're up to the task? 

Please draft a short letter, outlining your relevant experience, qualities and your understanding of the role to: admin@cfpo.org.uk. 

Letters to be submitted by COP Wednesday 16th June. 

The Board will then advance the application procedure with a selected short-list.

New Guidance on bass Measures

Big beautiful bass on ice.

Following the conclusion of fisheries negotiations between the UK and the EU, the MMO can now provide details on proposed changes relating to European bass.

Revised measures on vessels catching European bass are to be introduced on 30 July 2021, changing bycatch limits and introducing short-based netting bycatch.

These measures amend Article 10 (measures on European bass fisheries) of Council Regulation (EU) 2020/123 and adjust the level of European bass that may be caught as a by-catch in British fisheries limits.

Vessels and commercial fisheries from shore will not be permitted to fish for European bass in ICES divisions 4b and 4C, and in ICES subarea 7. Retention, transhipment, relocation or landing of European bass caught in this area is also prohibited.

This rule does not apply to bycatch using inshore-based fixed gillnets (gear codes GTR, GNS, GNC, FYK, FPN and FIX) that are not set from a vessel of up to:

• 26 nets in relation to the NWIFCA district

• 5 nets in relation to the NEIFCA district

• 1 net in relation to the D&SIFCA district

• up to 50 nets in the Welsh zone.

A derogation continues to apply regarding vessels in ICES divisions 4b, 4c, 7d, 7e, 7f and 7h and in waters within 12 nautical miles from baselines in ICES divisions 7a and 7g may fish for European bass, and retain, tranship, relocate or land European bass caught in that area with the following gear and within the following limits:

In so far as those ICES divisions are in the English or Welsh zones:

using demersal trawls, for unavoidable by-catches not exceeding 380 kg per month and 5% of the weight of the total catches of marine organisms on board caught by that vessel per fishing trip,

using seines, for unavoidable by-catches not exceeding 380 kg per month and 5% of the weight of the total catches of marine organisms on board caught by that vessel per fishing trip, 

using hooks and lines, not exceeding 5.7 tonnes per vessel per year, 

using fixed gillnets, for by-catches not exceeding 1.4 tonnes per vessel per year.

Only those vessels with an existing authorisation to fish for European bass are permitted to do so, subject to the revised limits referenced.

The detailed guidance on the MMO’s webpage will be updated soon with further information, but if you have any questions concerning these measures in the interim, you should contact the MMO on 0330 123 1032 or by email to info@marinemanagement.org.uk

Classic lines captured on canvas in Newlyn.

When I grow up I definitely don't want to be like one of those said the Spirited Lady III...

as classic boats go, the Irene has a unique historical connection with the area, her first voyage after being launched in 1907 was ta cargo destined for Penzance...

an early-morning and subject worthy of attention from local artist Clare Bowen and visiting Michael Harding oil paint evangelist Vicky Norman...

as they take advantage of the stunning Mounts Bay morning optics...

who, for some unknown reason, chose to ignore the less beguiling lines of these modern plastic vessels...

the wings are folded which means there is still plenty of work needed to before the billy Rowney can dip her beam trawls back in the water in earnest...

meanwhile, on the end of the Mary Williams pier Brackan is busy taking off the Icelandic Polar trawl doors...

from the Spirited Lady III...

ably supported by a previous generation of the sea who no doubt can hear Freddie Howes, long-gone Newlyn skipper's oft repeated mantra, "100 years ago they had f*****g donkeys to pull stuff down the quay" echoing in his ears...

the classic lines of Mevagissey tosher Puffin steam past the action on the quay...

keeping an eye on the net drum unwinding...

as the trawl is pulled on to the quay

and guided away form the ladder...

never happier than when at sea...

Sheila T, a tosher with a very different set of lines heads back to her pontoon berth...

as skipper Brackan helps take the shore ropes before landing...

 later on Sunday evening at 9pm setting a course for Devon...

and a rendevous with the pilot at 0730 on Monday morning tasked to guide the boat on an interesting voyage some three miles inland past historic Dartmouth and up the river Dart to Totnes, before work starts on a major refit of the deckhouse and gantry.

UK-EU Fisheries Agreement: Taking Stock - the NFFO's considered view:

 

The UK and EU have just concluded their first annual bilateral fisheries agreement made under the terms of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The negotiations and annual agreement have been heavily shaped and constrained by the limitations imposed by the TCA. The outcomes also reflect the UK’s new legal status as an independent coastal state. The tensions created by these two divergent trajectories go a long way to explaining the shape and content of the deal for 2021.

Total Allowable Catches and Regulatory Autonomy

Total Allowable catches for jointly managed stocks have now been agreed as part of the deal but these only reflect the provisional determinations already set unilaterally by the UK in May. A formula within the TCA linked to the most recent ICES advice constrains the range within which autonomous quotas can be set.

It is in details like the conditions attached to particular TACs that the political trial of strength is visible. The UK’s determination to go its own way on fisheries (within the confines of the TCA) and the EU’s efforts to constrain divergence as much as possible, are apparent in the compromises made. The TCA requires the parties to work together on the management of shared stocks but also enshrines recognition that in the final analysis each party has the right to regulatory autonomy to manage the fisheries within its own respective zone.

The issues which have delayed reaching a deal until almost 6 months into the year to which it applies all relate to this fundamental tension.

https://www.nffo.org.uk/uk-eu-fisheries-agreement-for-2021/

Non-quota Stocks

The issue which reflects the terms of the TCA, but also throws up the most difficult management issues for the future, are the tonnage limits which will apply to catches of non-quota species like scallop, crab, red mullet, sardine, whelk, lemon sole and many others. The parties have fought themselves to a standstill and have now agreed that it is too late in the year to apply the tonnage limits. Designed as a cap to prevent the displacement onto stocks that are economically valuable but for which data is limited, the implementation of the tonnage limits will now be referred to the Specialised Committee on Fisheries (SCF). Get used to those initials because they will be where most bilateral fisheries management issues will now be addressed.

 Bass

The influence of regulatory autonomy is evident not only where the UK overtly adopts its own management measures (which will apply to all vessels operating within the UK EEZ), but also where the negotiation outcomes have been shaped by the new balance of power.

An example is in the agreed negotiation outcome on bass. Although this was an agreed common approach, it is one which shifts the conservation measures more towards the UK’s preference to allow more scope to land a higher proportion of unavoidable bycatch rather than discard them dead. This will not go far enough for those who are seeing an abundance of bass in their local waters but does point to the fact that the UK is no longer a supplicant member state, easily corralled, by the Commission.

Celtic Sea Technical Measures

The agreement for 2021 acknowledges that the UK will unilaterally apply strengthened selectivity measures in the Celtic Sea. There is a suspicion that the Commission is not unhappy with this development, as its own plans faced opposition from member states. The views of some member states may differ.

Mixed Fisheries Management

The annual agreement contains language on the future management of mixed fisheries which also points to UK influence and movement towards a more reality-based approach which recognizes the need for carefully balanced trade-offs, rather than one-size-fits-all CFP rigidity. This could represent a breakthrough after years of trying to fit zero-TAC advice to complex mixed fisheries situations. In truth, the EU routinely departed from zero TAC advice based on single stock assessments. We can see in the agreed record, though, the beginnings of a refreshing reality-based approach which can balance rebuilding weak stocks in a mixed fishery configuration, whilst maintaining the socio-economic fabric of the fishing communities dependent on those stocks. Looking back, we may see this as an important, even historic, breakthrough.

Discards

Another area in which the fresh shoots of divergence can be seen is in the treatment of discard policy. The EU landing obligation has proved (as anticipated by many) to be a crude, ineffectual, approach to minimising unwanted catch. Whilst the EU is tied into maintaining its landing obligation for the immediate future, the UK is now in a position to develop more agile alternatives which reduce the threat of chokes in mixed fisheries. An initial departure can be seen in relation to the treatment of exemptions and TAC reductions in the annual agreement. Developing a tailored discard policy, most likely as part of individual fisheries management plans, as envisaged by the Fisheries Act will be a UK priority.

Specialised Committee for Fisheries

An idea of the range and significance of the new Specialised Committee for Fisheries is seen in the Committee’s first work programme

The Delegations identified the following issues to be discussed in the SCF:

• Skates and rays, paragraph 5(e)

• Terms of reference for Celtic sea mixed fishery advice

• Deep sea stocks

• Stocks with no ICES advice

• Geographic flexibility

• Picked Dogfish (spurdog)

• Footnotes

• Prohibited species

• Management of discards, landing obligation and TAC deductions

• Technical measures

• Multi-year strategies for non-quota stocks

• Later exchanges of data on non-quota stocks

• Bass monitoring, management and assessment

• Big Picture

The annual negotiations with the EU are one important part of a bigger set of negotiations that ultimately have a profound influence on where we can fish, and how, and how much.

The TCA obviously sets the framework for fisheries relations with the EU and enshrines the asymmetric balance on access to each other’s waters and quota shares was at the heart of the Common Fisheries Policy and continues under the TCA. Until 2026, the TCA will shape the outcome of annual negotiations. What happens after that date is an open question. The EU is confident that there are sufficient dissuasive powers within the TCA to make the UK think twice about acting as any other normal coastal state. Time will tell.

The failure to reach fisheries agreements with Norway or Faroes, reflects the turbulent adjustment period before things settle down into a new equilibrium.

Where fishing sits in the Government’s priorities in the interim and around 2026 will be critical. Few predicted that fishing would become a totemic issue within the UK’s departure from the EU, but it was the last issue to be “settled” in the TCA and leaves a lasting and potentially toxic legacy.

Our immediate request will now be for a meeting with Defra/MMO to understand were we have got to in the wake of the TCA and annual negotiations, and what our options might be from moving forward from here.

Agreement covers catch limits for 70 shared fish stocks worth approximately £333m in fishing opportunities to the UK fleet Deal ensures certainty for UK industry with fishing levels set for remainder of 2021 UK and EU to work together on shared sustainability objectives through the Specialised Committee on Fisheries

The UK has now concluded annual fisheries negotiations with the EU, providing certainty for the fishing industry on catch limits for the remainder of 2021.

The catch limits known as Total Allowable Catches have been set for 70 fish stocks and supersede the previous provisional catch limits for 2021.