Benefits to the UK fishing industry from Brexit.....................

 

Benefits to the UK fishing industry from Brexit are falling far short of the government rhetoric, according to analysis by researchers from the University of York, the New Economics Foundation, the University of Lincoln and ABPmer.

The government’s promises of radical reforms to help the industry take back control of UK waters and increase quota shares, while minimising trade impacts, are ‘starkly at odds’ with the reality of what has been achieved, says their report.

Despite government statements that Brexit would result in hundreds of thousands of tonnes of extra catch for UK fishermen, the report calculates that the increase will only reach 107,000t per year, or 12.4% by value for all species, by 2025.

Additionally, UK fisheries management continues in a state of interdependence with EU legislation; significant EU access to UK waters remains, including in the 6-12nm zone; and new regulations and logistical barriers brought in by the Brexit TCA mean that exporting seafood costs more and takes longer, say the researchers.

NUTFA: CONCERNS ABOUT IVMS ROLL-OUT AND CALL FOR IMPLEMENTATION DELAY

Under 10m - VMS kit! Don't buy it if you don't have to!

 

There is no legislation in place in England at present, that is “due” to be enacted in “late 2022”. The mmo in their usual fashion is saying that all equipment must be purchased and fitted by that time. I have seen nothjng regarding the possible exemptions that the head of the unit in the mmo told me some time ago were being actively considered so there are many very small boats out there who may feel forced into getting the kit that they may not in the end be required to have. We are pursuing this aspect with government"

NUTFA: CONCERNS ABOUT IVMS ROLL-OUT AND CALL FOR IMPLEMENTATION DELAY

The four UK administrations have taken different approaches to the introduction of VMS in the under-12m sector, with Defra and the Welsh government at the forefront of moves to make operation of VMS mandatory across the entire fleet during 2022.

Whilst the Welsh approach has been to approve and supply a single terminal to all eligible Welsh boats, differing only in the power options required for operation of the terminals, in England, vessel owners have a choice of four ‘type approved’ terminals.

Given the urgency that some vessel owners now face, the continued uncertainty about legal deadlines and funding has led to considerable frustrations across the industry. NUTFA has continued to express its concerns about the pace of the iVMS roll-out and, in particular, the issue of liability to small vessel owners, in the event of breakdown of terminals, or of terminals reporting inaccurate positions.

Sarah Ready, speaking on behalf of NUTFA before the latest MMO statement was issued, told Fishing News: “We have met with officials to discuss our concerns, who have listened politely and tried to be constructive, but we nevertheless risk finding ourselves in a position where inshore fishermen in England see their livelihoods put at risk due to the rushed roll-out of this requirement.

“NUTFA put in a freedom of information request, as we are extremely concerned that Defra is pushing on to the industry liability for the reliable operation of terminals, without any ongoing testing or quality control during the type approval process.

“The internal paperwork we received from Defra as a result of our requests confirms our fears that the type approval process has involved no practical testing or independent physical evaluation by Defra or the MMO, and instead relies entirely on written responses provided by the companies hoping to win approval.

“Whilst, no doubt, these responses are all provided in good faith, it will be of little comfort to fishermen, investing time and effort in installing and operating the systems, if they do indeed prove to be unreliable. It will be the fishermen who are forced to cease operating their businesses due to any shortcomings in the system, whilst awaiting a fix, and fishermen who will face legal sanction if and when things go wrong, through no fault of their own.

“The inshore fleet has already seen at first hand examples of how VMS data has been used, without any corroborating evidence, to prosecute vessels.

“With this roll-out, where assurances about reliability of positional data is very weak, and where it is accepted that inaccurate positional reports will at times be provided by the system, especially close inshore where physical obstructions to signals are more likely, there is a real risk that innocent fishermen will, at best, lose fishing time and face investigation, due to issues entirely beyond their control.

“Fishing vessel owners in England are further hampered by the fact that they are being expected to make decisions on installation timetables that are still only indicative, and without confirmation of what funding will be available. It’s completely unfair for Defra to place inshore fishermen in this position of uncertainty.

“If the authorities are determined to go down this path, the least we at NUTFA can ask for is a delay to the installation timetable, including a freeze for the smaller classes of vessel, until a full evaluation of the accuracy and reliability of the systems installed in the 10-12m fleet has been undertaken.

“It is also imperative that owners in the 10-12m class are able to confirm, as soon as possible, the level of funding that will be made available towards purchase and operation of the system.”

Jerry Percy, who previously raised the issue of the smaller vessels within the sector with MMO officials on behalf of NUTFA, added: “In conversation with the MMO staff responsible for the roll-out, we received assurance that they were actively considering derogations for smaller vessels within the under-10 sector.

“We have heard nothing further on this, but it is of course vital that the MMO provides clarity in this respect without delay, and before those under-10s that may qualify for an exemption are coerced into paying out for equipment that they may not be required to install.”

Wales first in UK to make all commercial fishing boats have monitoring devices

 

Inshore fishing for lobster and crab at Aberystwyth on the boats Quaker and PenDinas. Welsh Government. By Keith Morris. 

Wales has become the first nation in the UK to make all of its licensed commercial fishing boats have monitoring devices.

Boats 12m or more in length already had to be fitted with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), but an Order coming into force today means those under this size, will have to as well.

The under 12 metre fishing fleet, which has more more than 350 boats, makes up around 97% of Welsh registered fishing vessels.

The VMS will transmit the geographical position, date, time, speed and course of a boat, at least once every 10 minutes, while fishing operations are being undertaken.

The Welsh Government says this is important in gaining a fuller and accurate picture of fishing boat activity in the Welsh zone.

It also says it will help Welsh registered boats wherever they may be, to improve fisheries and marine environment management.

A consultation began in 2019 on the requirement for the under 12m fleet and to support the fishing industry, Vessel Monitoring Systems have been offered for free to the relevant Welsh fishing fleet. However, due to European Maritime and Fisheries Fund rules, from today onwards fishers will have to purchase the devices themselves.

Free device installation began in December 2020 although no monitoring of fishing activity of the under 12m fishing fleet has been undertaken before the legislation comes into force today.

More than 98% of boats in this category have been fitted with a VMS. The installation of VMS on vessels is done in full consultation with the owner and is carried out by fully qualified engineers.

Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths said: “I am pleased Wales is the first nation in the UK to require all commercial fishing vessels which operate in Wales or the Welsh Zone are fitted with a Vessel Monitoring System.

“We want to help ensure a sustainable and prosperous fishing industry in Wales and this step will be fundamental to the effective management of fisheries and the wider marine environment.

“The implementation of the catch recording system for under 10m vessels in 2020 means we now have better information about what is being caught, and this combined with VMS will give us a fuller picture of fishing in Wales and where it is taking place.

“It will also provide the industry with evidence of their catch origin and fishing grounds which could be used to resolve any disputes with other marine users.

“We have worked closely with the industry and have offered substantial funding via the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to help prepare fishers for this new requirement.”

Much fish on Monday morning's market in Newlyn.

There's a chance that with a horrendous forecast for the rest of the week this may well be the last time young Roger Nowell lands a trip of fish...

from his beloved Immy...

he'll be hoping for some excellent rices on Monday's market...

though this pair of John Dory hardly reflects his usual success at targeting these fish over the years...

one very sleepy ling...

the netters landed some top quality tub gurnard...

and filled much of the first auction chill room...

with hake form the netters Silver Dawn...

and Stelissa...

every ray has a unique arrangement of spots...

cuttles of course can change their appearance in an instant...

good enough to eat raw...

let's hope young Roger gets his boxes back...

plenty of pollack on the ground picked up by the Spirited Lady II...

it's roe time of year as big white fish move over the ground to spawn...

Dovers, stock-in-trade fish for the beamer...

and, unusually a few boxes of cod, also a sign that it is spawning tme for these fish...

always the tails...

the Ajax  had a solid landing of pollack...

while herring are still being picked up locally...

yet more pollack, available in a Morriosn's supermarket near you...

the delicious looking and tasing gilt-head bream...

moody sky this morning...

almost time for the buyers to pick up their morning's work...

cats are evermore popular as they make such stable working platforms for those with wonky knees...

name the young gull?

 

Inspiring thinking from Newlyn Harbour Commissioners - the future of Newlyn is bright!

 

Following the monthly Board Meeting of Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC), the Commission reports on the local reaction to proposed developments at Newlyn Harbour.

The Advisory Board’s recent public exhibition of NP&HC’s strategic thinking in relation to the development of Sandy Cove was well received by those who attended and a high percentage are in favour.

Proposals include the creation of an access road from the A30 to Sandy Cove for HGV and other fishing industry-related vehicles, which would have a significant effect on traffic flow through Newlyn; a proposed marina in Penlee Quarry, and a curved breakwater at Sandy Cove that would reduce the impact of storm waves and tidal surges, as well as provide deep water berths to cater for much larger fishing, sailing and commercial vessels.

As this proposed development impacts on the whole of Newlyn, not just the Harbour estate, it would require a transformative level of funding. NP&HC will now take this to the next stage by discussing it with Cornwall Council and other key stakeholders.

“The Harbour Commission is very excited to see local support for such an adventurous and futuristic project that would benefit our hardworking fisherfolk, preserve the fishery and take Newlyn into the 22nd and 23rd centuries, and even beyond,” explains Chairman of NP&HC, Rob Wing. “We have tasked our Cornwall Council Harbour Commissioner, Cllr Peter Channon, to discuss our ideas with Cornwall Council’s Leader, Cllr Linda Taylor, to determine whether there is an appetite to take this forward and gain a better understanding of the chances of an access road from the A30 to Sandy Cove being built, which is both the strength and the Achilles’ heel of the project."

“With that knowledge, we will then make a formal approach to Cornwall Council and the UK Government, via George Eustice, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to find out how best to make this happen as it is a major project that requires a multi-agency approach. If Cornwall Council support it, the Government will listen.”

Newly elected Advisory Board chairman Paul Durkin said, 

"Newlyn Harbour Advisory Board is delighted to note that the concepts it has proposed and exhibited to the public at the exhibition after Christmas have been taken on board by the Commission as part of its strategy. We recognise and applaud the ambition shown and the steps already taken to engage with local and central government to help make this happen."

In addition, post 2026 will see a very different relationship forged with other EU states that fish in the Western Approaches, one that will see fishing and other related industries looking to have a presence in the UK's best placed fishing port to reduce travel, transport and supply issues.

Small scale fishermen feeling the pressure - MMO new iVMS requirements.

 

Small-scale fishermen across England have expressed concerns and anxiety about the rollout of the iVMS and the timeframe given to the fleet to install devices onboard their vessels.

Recent articles have highlighted the pressures felt by English fishermen as they are faced with new regulation to comply with to include the roll out of inshore vessel monitoring to the under 12m fleet.

This project, originally timetabled for roll-out by the UK Government in 2019 has suffered serious delays, that saw the type approval process led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) only being conducted in the last half 2021. This led to suppliers, whose systems had ‘met’ the criteria being approved and named just before Christmas. The MMO cannot recommend one supplier over another, and can only publish the most basic information about the suppliers and their products. The MMO updated industry on January 5th 2022 Inshore Vessel Monitoring (I-VMS) for under-12m fishing vessels registered in England – GOV.UK

The first tranche of vessels 10-12m have until 14 March 2022 to choose and install the kit, in order to receive grant funding support from the MMO. Fishermen are left with just weeks to conduct due diligence on the kit offered, on the companies financial health and stability and review contracts being offered by the companies for the services and warranty they are offering. This would be a tight timeframe with the need for specialist legal advice even for larger companies with shore based support. But many in the small scale fleet are owner operators, most are micro businesses and many will not have to investigate suppliers and contracts in this way before.

It has left many fishermen worrying and uninformed choices being made to order the kit at a lightning pace in order not to miss out on funding available. Some fishermen in remote ports away from larger fleets with resident marine electronic specialists have been forced to choose now, because they have to book appointments weeks in advance for technicians to travel and work on their vessels.

The MMO, aware of the concerns, hosted a meet the supplier event with a Q & A session virtually on Wednesday 9th February but it left many fishermen with more questions than answers.

Cornish fishermen Duncan Murt raised questions about the security of data that would be held by the suppliers prior to it being forwarded to the MMO hub. This was new to many who had assumed the MMO type approval would have required data from the onboard systems to leave the vessel system and go straight to the Government hub.

“I am not sure how we conduct due diligence on each suppliers fire-walls and protections for keeping our data safe from hacking and tampering. The MMO type approval prescribes that data has to be encrypted when moving across systems but how can we be sure our fishing data is being held securely by these suppliers? I am not an IT specialist, nor a lawyer and I have no idea how, when choosing a piece of kit, I can make sure that all the safeguards are in place to protect our information and what legal recourse we can require in the contracts to hold them liable if they don’t protect it, It is a mess, it’s just one more thing to worry about.”

Most fishermen raised concerns about the speed at which they were being required to make choices, and that it did not allow time for proper investigations of the kit and companies and there was a consensus asking the MMO to take away the concerns of the speed of the roll out and see if the funding time limits could be paused, or lengthened to allow fishermen more time to meet the suppliers around the coast and investigate the kit further. The MMO agreed to take this away and come back with a swift response, although they could not guarantee it would be within the 48 hours requested.

Lots of fishermen, particularly those whose boats are moored or beached in areas with no mobile phone coverage, raised concerns about data not being transmitted and the potential for no signal even when they returned from sea. The MMO and suppliers confirmed that the type approval required the kit to be able to send, and store once in coverage range, but it left many feeling the connectivity issue was not really understood.

Former MMO officer and executive officer for the South Devon Shellfish and Channel Shellfishermen’s Association, Beshlie Pool said:

“There are real concerns about the lack of understanding of mobile phone coverage in some ports and beach landings used by our members. I am sure there are other areas too around the English coast where you just do not get a signal, ever. Because they are small boats often staying close to home, it is not unusual for them to have no signal at sea either. It is unclear what happens if an installer cannot connect to the server to register the kit as required. After that, what happens if a vessel never comes into mobile phone range again? Will they be challenged by the MMO because the kit is not providing pushes with stored data to the server? How could fishermen prove the negative, that they have no signal at landing or at sea? There seems to be little understanding of this problem by the regulator nor what the MMO intends to do to quantify it so fishermen will not be harassed for a lack of signal. AIS by contrast would solve this problem, offer a low cost solution and something the fishermen have asked to be considered, it’s time fishermen were listened to on this and all other issues”.

Newlyn Harbour has a new harbourmaster and deputy.

After some recent changes, Newlyn harbour commissioners have announced the appointment of Cliff Brand as its new Harbour Master & Chief Executive Officer, who will take up the position in early March.

Originally from North Shields in the North East of the UK, Cliff is an extremely experienced Harbour Master whose previous job roles have included CEO of Gibraltar Port Authority; Harbour Master of Harwich Haven Authority and CEO of RAK Ports, the maritime gateway to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Prior to leading the development of multi-million-pound ports, he served as Master in the Merchant Navy for several years. Before that, he skippered both deep-water and near-water fishing vessels, and is therefore as experienced at sea as he is ashore.

In addition, Roger Nowell has been appointed to the role of Deputy Harbour Master, joining Deputy Harbour Master, Jedna Hall who is already in post.

Roger Nowell has spent his life in the Cornish fishing industry and is known in the port as 'the Dory king' given his passion and success at targeting these fish having skippered small inshore vessels and large beam trawlers, he is ideally placed to come ashore and manage the Harbour’s quays.

“We are delighted to welcome Cliff and Roger to the Newlyn Harbour team at an important moment in our history and look forward to working with them to safeguard and develop the port for the future,” concludes Rob Wing.