Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners Publishes Schedule of Charges for 2024

 

Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) has undertaken its annual review of the charging structure for its facilities and services, based on usage data from 2023.

This review has included a benchmarking process with the open price lists of Tor Bay and Cornwall Council Harbours to ensure that prices not only remain fair and competitive but also provide sufficient revenue to deliver Newlyn Harbour’s planned operational activity and sustain its reserves for future development.

During this review, NP&HC has considered costs, user expectations, the continued control of its assets, the effect of the increase in the cost of living that is currently being experienced and the need for improved clarity in terms of communicating its charging structure to current and prospective harbour users.

The new charging structure takes effect from Monday 1st April and key changes include:

• The removal of the Gross Tonnage (GT) measure as this is little used in Newlyn. Vessels will now be charged on Length Overall (LOA), which will simplify charging and administration
• Whilst pontoon charges have not been increased as stated in last year’s review, harbour dues for non-pontoon users have been increased by around 10% in line with the inflationary pressures of the past year. Two lower size brackets have also been removed to close a loophole, which enabled small vessels to leverage a disproportionately low harbour due
• Cargo dues have been reduced to encourage enquiries. Whilst Newlyn Harbour is not aiming to become a cargo handling port at this time, it does have the capability to undertake small scale operations and other project work
• Storage charges have been changed to improve clarity for harbour users and reinforce NP&HC controls
• Fish Market dues have been removed to align with a concession arrangement that will soon be in place
• Waste removal charges have been increased to reflect the costs to the Harbour that well-exceed the amount currently levied. Fees have been doubled for the largest vessels and have increased by 10%, 25%, and 50% for other smaller vessels. These increases will help to recover some of the cost of this service. The Harbour Office is investigating alternative solutions with the aim of reducing the cost of waste removal in the future
• Newlyn residents will no longer be able to park in the Harbour Car Park, as a result of the decision by the Harbour Commissioners to focus provision for core harbour users, and in preparation for the construction of the new Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre later this year.

NP&HC’s Schedule of Charges for 2024 also includes explanatory notes to provide clarity for harbour users and better explain specific terms such as ‘non-contributory vessel and conditions such as those that govern the use of the slipway and how the Harbour charges for cancellation, demurrage (overstay), and electricity used.

“Whilst NP&HC recognises that it is never a good time to be increasing prices to reflect rising operational costs, we hope that stakeholders and harbour users will find them fair in the context of the quality of the services and facilities that we provide and how they compare to the charges of our regional competitors in Penzance and Brixham,” explains Harbour Master & CEO, Jonathan Poynter. “As a Trust Port, we reinvest any surplus revenue for the benefit of harbour users and the wider community, and NP&HC is wholeheartedly committed to investing in the Newlyn Harbour Estate’s infrastructure to enhance and preserve it for the future.”

For further information, please visit www.newlynharbour.com/facilities-services/

First meeting of the Celtic Sea and Western Channel Pelagic FMP Partnership.

The new Celtic Sea and Western Channel Pelagic FMP Partnership recently met. This collaborative effort brought together stakeholders from across the fishing industry, government agencies, and scientific communities. The mission is to develop a comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for pilchard, anchovy, horse mackerel, herring, and greater silver smelt in the Celtic Sea and Western Channel.

Fishermen and other industry representatives from the South West spent over four hours talking through the points on the agenda (below) in order to get the partnership off the ground. The predominant pelagic fishery in the Bristol Channel and Western Approaches is sardines. Many attendees were members of the Cornish Sardine Management Association, who were out in force and hoping that, with their well established MSC Certified Fishery, they will be ahead of the game in creating a successful partnership. The fishery relied heavily on data from the annual Cefas Peltic survey, for which the CSMA is eternally grateful.

During the meeting there was some interest over whether or whether not there was or is a smelt (argentine) fishery in ICES Areas 7e,g and h - it seems not a fish that most fishermen present had ever seen in their nets. Despite their presence in significant numbers, mackerel will be covered by another FMP. One outcome desired by those at the meeting was to ensure that other FMPs impacted on or impacted by should be a part of the discussions going forward. There was a unanimous desire to avoid situations that have occurred in the past where decisions pertaining to fisheries for bass, pollack and crab have caused real hardship on fishermen, not only economic but also social and health wise. Bad decisions have real consequences for fishing communities - in Cornwall a recent report commissioned by the CFPO showed that for every single fisherman at sea there were 15 jobs supported ashore.

The agenda also set out to create a dialogue between the industry, the Welsh Government and the MMO in order to create a pelagic focussed FMP, one of 43 now being created in the UK.

Taking advantage of the historic Kings Arms next to the community hall, many of the attendees continued an informal discussion after the meeting highlighting the value of face-to-face networking with all sectors of the industry, normally based many miles apart!

Why a pelagic FMP?

Fish are a vital resource, and sustainable management practices are crucial to ensure healthy populations for future generations. The Celtic Sea and Western Channel Pelagic FMP will establish evidence-based action plans to achieve this goal. By working together, we can create a plan that considers the needs of the fishery, the health of the ecosystem, and the well-being of coastal communities.

Working together

The partnership will hold three in-person meetings over the next year, with the possibility of additional online meetings or visits to local ports. During these meetings, we will:

• Gain a shared understanding of the fisheries, the ecosystem, and the communities they impact.

• Discuss and develop a vision and objectives for the FMP, including potential management options and areas for further research.

• Share knowledge and expertise to ensure all relevant perspectives are considered.

• Actively seek participation from underrepresented groups to ensure a balanced partnership.

• Work collaboratively to develop a draft FMP for submission to Defra and the Welsh Government in 2025.

The partnership are committed to open and transparent communication. Meeting agendas and summaries will be circulated to all partners, and information provided during meetings will be used to inform the FMP.

Emma Plotnek, a director of a fishermen's organization (FITF), attended the meeting, here's a summary of her experience:

• FITF just wants the FMP process to work well for everyone involved..
• FITF supports fishermen leading these meetings in the future.
• The government staff running the meeting did a good job considering fishermen's perspectives.
• This well-resourced team has a chance to develop better practices for future meetings.
• Socializing after the meeting is important for building relationships and trust.
• Everyone involved, despite their differences, shares common goals for healthy fisheries and coastal communities.

First day of the new era on Newlyn fish market as Stevenson's take control.

You just know rain is on its way this morning...

on a day when a new era is heralded in as Stevensons and Ocean Fish take on running the fish market and auction...

it's a fitting start, with a wide variety of fish from visiting Scottish prawn boats like the Ocean Vision ...

and Daystar...

filled most of the three zones...

plenty of ray still on the grounds...

and a good run of haddock from the seiner...

while the St Georges landed a good trip of seasonal Dovers...

and with the start of a new month, the bass season is now open again...

hopeful signs of summer...

that's a huge conger shot...

and more head-on monk...

as the sky darkens...

there are still plenty of boats at sea...

as the Ygraine lands a few days worth of hard fought for, weather-wise,..

 hake, to make the best of the prices...

with the sole grounds round in the Bristol Channel...

Brixham beam trawlers make their trips shorter by landing in Newlyn...

 even if their fish goes up the road to the auction at Brixham...

unusual to see a yacht this early in the season...

new company boxes, all set for the new auction set-up.

 

A New Era for an Old Relationship: Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners formalise fish auction agreement with W Stevenson & Sons

Tis information supersedes any previous appertaining to the running of the fish market,

Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) and W Stevenson & Sons Limited (WS&S) have signed an agreement that both formalises and modernises the productive and long-standing relationship that has existed between them in Newlyn for decades.

From that date, the new arrangements within this agreement will provide legal certainty and stability for both parties, whilst establishing a cohesive partnership with one strategic aim – to provide superlative facilities and services for the Cornish fleet and wider UK fishing industry.

This agreement not only demonstrates that NP&HC have confidence in WS&S to take the Newlyn Fish Market auction forward in support of fishers from Cornwall and across the UK. It also enables the Harbour Commissioners and its management team to focus on the sustainable development of the Newlyn Harbour estate, and on continuing to ensure that its harbour and quays are well-maintained for the benefit of all users.

WS&S is now the exclusive auctioneer at Newlyn Fish Market for the seven-year duration of this concession agreement, which will not only ensure its continued investment in people and equipment, but also the continuance and further development of an efficient and well-managed fish auction at the Port.

Whatever happens inside Newlyn Fish Market is now the domain of WS&S.

Whatever happens outside Newlyn Fish Market on the rest of the Newlyn Harbour estate is the province of NP&HC and the Newlyn Harbour Master/CEO.

Operationally, the following practical changes will be implemented from Monday 1st April and we appreciate the understanding and co-operation of all harbour users whilst we all familiarise ourselves with these new arrangements.

The important point to remember is that Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners will be working with W Stevenson & Sons Limited to improve and expand the facilities and services that are offered at Newlyn Harbour for the benefit of fishers, harbour users and the local community.

Newlyn Fish Market

• W Stevenson & Sons (WS&S) now has full control over ALL operations within Newlyn Fish Market
• If you require access to Newlyn Fish Market for any reason, please contact the Market Manager at WS&S on 07876 832055 or 07836 522314, not the Harbour Office
• Refrigerated storage in Newlyn Fish Market is now at the discretion of WS&S. Please provide WS&S with prior notice by telephoning or messaging 07876 832055 or 07836 522314, or visiting Newlyn Fish Market Reception. If space allows, WS&S will confirm where fish should be stored. Please note that there is a charge of £1 per box, per day for this service
• No equipment (including pallet trucks and scales etc) are to be removed from Newlyn Fish Market without express prior permission from WS&S
• If you experience any issues with facilities and services at Newlyn Fish Market, please contact WS&S on the contact details above or email paul.trebilcock@wstevenson.co.uk, not the Harbour Office.

Newlyn Harbour

• Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) and its management team continue to manage, maintain and develop the Newlyn Harbour estate, Newlyn Harbour and its quays
• If you wish to report an incident or a maintenance issue, or require lifting and launching facilities; berths or moorings for your vessel; water, electricity; storage or repairs, or launching, angling and car parking permits, please visit the Harbour Office or contact us via info@newlynharbour.com or 01736 362521
• Newlyn Harbour is open and staffed 24/7. Vessels are asked to provide 24 hours’ notice of arrival and call us on VHF Ch12 when passing the Low Lee Buoy. There is an operational member of Newlyn Harbour staff (day, night and weekend watch), monitoring the VHF and Harbour 24/7, 365 days per year.

Brexit benefit - a new era for the fish auction in Newlyn.

"Taking back control"

Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) and W Stevenson & Sons Limited (WS&S) have signed an agreement that both formalises and modernises the productive and long-standing relationship that has existed between them in Newlyn for decades.

head-on monk ready for auction

Monday, marks a significant moment in the history of the port of Newlyn as the UK’s premier quality fish auction. With Brexit benefits beginning to surface almost every day and following the new agreement, a decision has been made to adopt Imperial Measurements again; fish on the auction can now be sold in stones and pounds.

WS&S is now the exclusive auctioneer at Newlyn Fish Market for the seven-year duration of this concession agreement, which will not only ensure its continued investment in people and equipment, but also the continuance and further development of an efficient and well-managed fish auction at the Port.

“The long story of fish being sold at Newlyn continues with this new chapter,” explains Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners’ Chairman, Rob Wing. “This new agreement between NP&HC and WS&S may have taken a long time to bring to fruition, but we are confident that it represents the best possible opportunity for all fishers that land their catch at Newlyn Fish Market.

megrims are one of the most landed fish on the market

“In these challenging times for the fishing industry, NP&HC and WS&S now have a formal shared purpose in supporting the catching, landing, buying and selling of prime quality fish in West Cornwall in the 21st century and for generations to come.”

What are Fisheries Management Plans?

The UK government has responsibilities under international law and is committed to managing our fisheries in a sustainable way. Meeting our responsibilities will support vibrant, profitable, and sustainable fishing industries alongside a healthy and productive marine environment. 

The Fisheries Act 2020 provides the framework to manage our fisheries as an independent coastal state outside of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The act requires the UK fisheries policy authorities (Defra, and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) to publish fisheries management plans (FMPs) to help deliver our ambition for sustainable fisheries. 

The Joint Fisheries Statement lists 43 proposed FMPs. Some FMPs will be developed jointly by 2 or more fisheries policy authorities, whilst others will be developed by a single authority for its own waters.

What an FMP is

FMPs are evidence-based action plans, developed in collaboration with the fishing sector and other stakeholders. Their purpose is to deliver sustainable fisheries for current and future generations. 

Each FMP will specify the stocks, type of fishing and the geographic area covered, as well as the authority or authorities responsible and indicators to be used for monitoring the effectiveness of the plan. 

Once published, FMPs will inform a wide range of relevant fisheries management actions. There will not be a ‘one size fits all’ approach to our FMPs – they will be designed according to the specific needs of their stocks, fisheries and location. Therefore, FMPs will vary in their content and format because our fisheries range from stocks whose management is well understood, to complex mixed fisheries with many stocks in whole sea areas.

Medical 'exemption' - but does it go far enough?

The thinking behind the medical requirement being introduced in the first place was, for many in the industry based on little or no evidence. Fishing organisations, going back decades, struggled to find any incidents where the existing health condition of any fisherman resulted in an accident or loss of life at sea .

While transport Secretary, Mark Harper may be happy with his announcement in Newlyn on Tuesday, many fishermen feel there is still a fight to be had over the 'exemptions'. None present at the announcement would have disagreed with Mark Harper that fishing is not without risks - but every fisherman who goes to sea is fully aware of the risks, trained in sea survival, first aid and firefighting and is not only equipped with safety equipment but subject to a host of rules and regulations to abide by dictated by the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

A coastguard with 25 years experience had this to say,

And as one ex-fisherman said, 

"I don't buy the Transport Secretary's response that even a singlehanded fisherman puts someone else's life at risk if they get in trouble - compare the 8,000 UK fishermen taking every precaution to the millions of holiday-makers on the water off our shores every summer who are completely unregulated - on average the RNLI responds to 8,500 call-outs a year - what data is the 'risk assessment' based on to justify such draconian rules on inshore fishermen?

And, as if to make that point graphically, Plymouth Harbour posted this video today which totally vindicates the fishermen's argument against the imposition of the need for a medical in the first place.

It was posted with the permission of the unfortunate boater.