I've had WindyTV on the weather page of Through the Gaps for a few years now - first time I have ever seen 100knots predicted - 7pm Wednesday!
Welcome to Through the Gaps, the UK fishing industry's most comprehensive information and image resource. Newlyn is England's largest fish market and where over 50 species are regularly landed from handline, trawl, net, ring net and pot vessels including #MSC Certified #Hake, #Cornish Sardine, handlined bass, pollack and mackerel. Art work, graphics and digital fishing industry images available from stock or on commission.
Tuesday 31 October 2023
100kt - that's 120mph - winds forecast for storm Ciaran on Wednesday.
I've had WindyTV on the weather page of Through the Gaps for a few years now - first time I have ever seen 100knots predicted - 7pm Wednesday!
Monday 30 October 2023
Advice on fishing opportunities (2023)
ICES Approach to Fishing Opportunities |
ICES takes a precautionary approach to advising on fishing opportunities, with the goal of achieving maximum sustainable yield (MSY) unless otherwise requested. This means that ICES aims to inform policies that will lead to high, long-term yields while maintaining productive fish stocks in marine ecosystems that meet expected environmental standards.
Annex 2 of the UN Fish Stocks Agreement provides guidelines for applying a precautionary approach within an MSY framework. According to this approach, fish populations must be maintained within safe biological limits in order to achieve MSY. However, within safe biological limits, an MSY approach is necessary to maximise long-term yields. All ICES advice is consistent with the precautionary approach.
MSY is a broad concept that aims to achieve the highest possible yield over the long term. It is not specific about:
- The biological unit to which it is applied (e.g., a single fish stock, a group of related stocks, or an entire ecosystem)
- The models used to provide scientific advice
- The definition of yields
- The management methods used to achieve MSY
ICES defines MSY as maximising the average long-term yield from a given fish stock while maintaining the stock as productive. ICES considers the yield to be maximised as the part of the catch that is landed, measured in weight. This may be calculated relative to the landed catch above a prescribed minimum size, depending on regulations for the individual stock.
Many of the models used to estimate MSY assume that factors not explicitly included in the model will either remain constant or vary around a historical long-term mean. However, marine ecosystems are dynamic, and fish stocks will change not only in response to fishing but also to changes in their prey, predators, and climate. Therefore, ICES considers MSY reference points to be valid only in the short and medium term (generally up to 5-10 years). MSY reference points should be subject to regular reviews and modified according to new information or process understanding.
ICES provides advice on fishing opportunities and stock status for individual stocks to support the stock-by-stock management system. For some stocks, ICES is only requested to advise on status and not on fishing opportunities. In addition to single-stock advice, ICES also provides mixed-fisheries considerations, fisheries overviews, and ecosystem overviews. These encapsulate the technical and biological interactions between stocks at an ecoregion scale.
Sunday 29 October 2023
Tasty tuna dishes from top Cornish chefs - bluefin tuna from boat to plate!
Like Bruce, every single part of that beauty is used, so keep your eyes open to see what dishes Nathan comes up - like these personal favourites: - raw tartare - seared with peppercorn hollandaise - cured with ginger, spring onion & yoghurt - pan-fried with mushroom cream, Szechuan, coriander & pickled red cabbage What a special treat!🙏🧜♀️- if you’re dining at outlaws Outlaw's New Road or the Fish Kitchen, you’re in for an extra special treat! 🧜♀️👍
Friday 27 October 2023
Cod kept busy this #FishyFriday morning in Newlyn.
Thursday 26 October 2023
Fishermen - Please take a few minutes to give your opinion on Discards Policy and Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM)
Fishermen - Please take a few minutes to give your opinion on Discards Policy and Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM)
Seafish/Cefas – Commercial Fishing Gear Survey This joint Cefas / Seafish survey is for active commercial UK fishers, working in all fisheries. The aim of this 10 minute survey is to gather fishers views on changing their fishing gear to minimise unwanted catches. This includes improvements already made and the potential to make new changes. We are interested in the experiences of fishers when trying to change gear, including the obstacles and benefits.
There are also questions on accessing fishing gear information, to help us understand fishers’ needs to support a transition to more sustainable fishing practices.
The results will be published in a joint Seafish-Cefas report, which will contribute to the responses to the Defra consultations on Discards Policy and Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM). In addition, these results will be discussed by the UK Gear Forum and help to inform its work programme.
The survey will be live for six weeks (closing Friday 17th November 2023).
Wednesday 25 October 2023
Failed your MCA roll test? One man's story.
Yesterday, the Fisheries All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) discussed a range of fishing industry safety issues - from crew working practices to seaworthiness. Much of the discussion in relation to every area related to criticism of the competence of surveyors for bodies like the MCA, Defra and the MMO.
In particular, much was made of the lack of awareness by surveyors of small, especially under 10m vessels and the severe consequences of falling foul of the rules. A perfect example is that of Tristan below, who is in the process of righting (pun intended) what they perceive is a great wrong. A full report on the APPG meeting will be made on TtGaps soon.
Tristan tells the story so far:
"Afternoon everybody I'm sorry for posting these lengthy posts but I want to realise the position I'm in and many other fisherman who fish inshore on thier vessels and have come each night due to thier trusty vessel, to then be told its not safe. On the 20th of October, under the clear sky with dry and sunny weather, I conducted my own roll test. I want to clarify at the outset that I consider this test insufficient to depict my vessel's true behavior at sea - It is my firm belief that the most qualified judge of a vessel's seaworthiness is the individual at the helm.
However, given the circumstances, I felt compelled to undertake the test to alleviate any doubts about Adela's safety. The test was conducted using a reference mark on the hull, which was derived by dividing the widest part of Adela (3.8m) by 8, resulting in a mark of 0.475m. Three sets of rolls were executed, ensuring that the vessel was away from the pontoon and ropes were loose. The average results of the three sets were 3.8, 3.7, and 4.1. Adding these averages together and dividing by 3 gave an overall result of 3.8.
To ensure the accuracy of my findings, I conducted another set of rolls with similar methodology, which yielded an overall average of 3.9. To be extra sure, I went live and did a live set of rolls, which gave an overall average of 4. Adding all of these average results together and dividing it by 9 (as there were 3 sets of 3 results) resulted in a final average of 3.9. This is significantly lower than the 4.7 that the MCA test produced. What's more, I noticed that Adela nearly stopped rolling before the last roll, indicating a natural stability that may not be captured in the test's static measurements.
Granted, these tests do not perfectly mirror the way Adela rolls at sea, and I don't believe they should be used to disrupt someone's livelihood, especially when the vessel has proven time and time again to be seaworthy--a testament to her return home each night and her enduring presence even after 50 years.
Yes, Adela rolls, but she has never given me cause to question her safety. It is difficult to accept that a vessel that has served as a trawler off Brixham for over 30 years is suddenly deemed unseaworthy due to a blanket testing approach applied to the small inshore fleet.
Adela is a vessel of heritage and craftsmanship, constructed by master shipwrights who had built thousands of boats before her. She was built in a time when the rules were different, but that does not negate her safety or the skill with which she was constructed. Her robustness and durability are evident, having returned home safely each night for more than 50 years.
To suddenly deem such a vessel unseaworthy based on a test that does not take into account her unique construction and the expertise of those who built and operate her, seems to me to be a grave injustice. It is an imposition of a one-size-fits-all mentality that does not reflect the reality of the small inshore fleet like ours.
While Adela does roll, as any boat at sea does, never have I felt that she was unsafe. I am confident that many others familiar with her would agree. It is my hope that these findings and my experience with Adela will be taken into consideration in any future evaluations of her seaworthiness.The extensive and meticulous research conducted has provided a wealth of evidence that overwhelmingly supports my findings.
On another note the tests were carried out with the Adela fully equipped with all on-board gear, thus mimicking the real-life conditions the vessel would encounter "steaming to grounds." The vessel's performance, when the gear is offloaded or "shot", differs significantly, which is a crucial factor that needs to be taken into account. The vessel's behaviour and operational efficiency have been observed to alter noticeably once the gear is deployed. The testing conditions, therefore, do not fully encapsulate the range of scenarios the vessel might face in its day-to-day operation. In this regard, the tests have certain limitations, and it is essential to approach the results from a nuanced perspective. The test results should be used as a guide, a reference point, and not as an absolute determinant of operational feasibility or the vessel's effectiveness.
It is also crucial to remember the impact these findings can have on the livelihoods of those involved. The tests should inform us, guide us, but they should not be used as a hammer to indiscriminately crush the livelihoods of hardworking individuals who depend on the vessel for their survival. The objective, after all, is to optimise operations and improve safety, not to halt them entirely. Therefore, while the tests provide valuable insights, they should not be viewed as the ultimate authority. They are a tool for improvement, not an instrument of cessation. Recognising the tests' inherent limitations and their potential impact on livelihoods, they should approach the results with a balanced perspective, using them as a guide for improvement rather than a mandate for cessation.
"Afternoon Everybody. I wanted to provide you with an update on my ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the U15M regulations and the impact they are having on both myself and the entire inshore fleet. As many of you are already aware, the U15M regulations have been a cause of concern for me and others. These regulations, implemented by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and enforced by their surveyors, have introduced significant changes and requirements that directly affect my operations. They have imposed limitations on vessels under 15 meters in length, and navigating the complexities of these regulations has proven to be quite challenging for me. In response to these challenges, I have taken proactive steps to address the situation and highlight its consequences. One of the actions I have taken is reaching out to various individuals and organizations to voice my concerns and seek support.
One notable contact I made was with our local Member of Parliament, Anthony Mangnall. I am pleased to inform you that Mr. Mangnall has been receptive to my concerns and has acknowledged the importance of discussing this matter further. Despite my current uncertainty regarding the outcome of a retest, Mr. Mangnall has kindly extended an invitation for a telephone call next week. This call will provide a valuable opportunity for me to delve deeper into the issues surrounding the U15M regulations and explore potential solutions. During our conversation, I intend to provide Mr. Mangnall with a overview of the challenges faced by the inshore fleet as a result of these new regulations. I will highlight the adverse effects these regulations have had on our day-to-day operations, the financial burden they impose on us, and the potential long-term implications for the sustainability of our industry. It is my hope that by sharing this information, we can foster a greater understanding and gather the necessary support to address these concerns effectively. I will keep you updated on the outcome of the telephone call with Mr. Mangnall and any subsequent developments."
Tuesday 24 October 2023
Urgent - MCA Medical Assessment - Harbour Master Assessmments and Sea Survival Certificate
"Please would any fisherman make contact with me if he/she has submitted evidence to the MCA medical assessor based on harbour master evidence. I am also seeking fishermen to come forward who have been asked to have a Sea Survival Course in order to obtain an ML5 medical certificate. I understand on both aspects that there are many.
I am concerned regarding potential insurance aspects of those fishers who now have a medical certificate issued on harbour master evidence and would wish to direct the fishers back to the medical assessor and MCA for clarification on the position that they now find themselves in with the withdrawal of support from harbour masters across the country to support evidence towards the medical assessment process. I have been advised by the Harbour Master Association that such evidence submitted is "null and void" and from the advice that NUTFA have taken on the insurance aspect of this difficulty, NUTFA are deeply concerned on the potential issues now at play with regard to potential insurance litigation in the future.
Secondly, I would like to collate numbers on the amount of fishermen who have been advised by the MCA medical assessor to obtain a Sea Survival Certificate as a requirement of the medical examination, particularly where the wet drill in the pool will be difficult or impossible due to conditions such as eczema, pneumonia, long covid, inability to swim, etc. I am also unclear on numbers as to whether the fishing training system will be able to cope with the number of fishermen now seeking to undertake a Sea Survival course imminently and again welcome data on numbers."