Cornish fishing finished?

If you want to, ‘Keep Cornwall Fishing’, follow this link we’ll send you a copy of our open letter direct to your inbox. We’ve addressed the letter to Defra, The Crown Estate and Cornwall Council. 

Why have we written it? 

The Crown Estate has published a report that proposes expanding the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. Swipe to see a map of what it would look like and watch one of our members talking with the BBC about what this would mean for the Cornish fishing fleet.

And there's more, much more!

If you catch, sell, process, buy, cook or eat UK caught fish and shellfish this is big news. The time is now for open and honest public debate about the pros and cons of Floating Offshore Wind, as despite the propaganda videos from certain quarters, be under no illusion, there can be no economic or safe 'return to fishing' once these structures have been anchored. Therefore, full development of the search areas proposed today will exclude fishing activities from over 4000 sq km of fishing grounds in the SW alone. The fleet cannot simply just move and the result will be the end of UK commercial fishing as we know it with socio-economic consequences being felt throughout the UK Seafood supply-chain and wider coastal communities.

Proposals to expand planned wind farm sites off the Devon and Cornwall coast could devastate the fishing industry, fishermen have warned.

It comes after the Crown Estate, which owns the sea bed, published its latest map of potential development zones.

It includes thousands of square miles off Land's End and the Isles of Scilly, currently prime fishing grounds, and an expanded zone off north Devon.

The Crown Estate said it would be seeking views "from across industry and marine stakeholders" during the initial process and it had already "engaged directly" with fisheries.

The Crown Estate published its latest map of potential development sites for offshore wind farms

Map of future offshore wind assessment areas

Dave Stevens, who has fished off Newlyn for 30 years, said new offshore wind development would not be good for the industry.

"It would be a devastating blow if that went ahead," he said. Everyone would be wanting to get out. I don't think the industry has been this challenged ever."

Chris Ranford, chief executive of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, added:

  

"We aren't anti-offshore renewable energy, we're not anti-marine protected area. We're pro having some sense and balance."

Steve Jermy, chief executive of Celtic Sea Power, who has been involved in the project since the start, cautioned it was still "very early days".

He said: "What I'd like to do is reassure people... the danger is we get into an 'us' and 'them'. It really would be such a mistake. I'd much rather think about it as one and all."

'Countless new opportunities' The Crown Estate said "offshore wind has a critical role to play in supporting the UK's energy transition".

It said the sector created "countless new opportunities within communities for skills and jobs, both onshore and at sea".

"The seabed is subject to a wide range of competing and complementary demands, which is why we have set out our initial thinking on how, and where, the future deployment of offshore wind might be possible, taking into account the needs of different sectors – including fishing – and the natural environment."

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs said it would "continue to work with colleagues across government and the Crown Estate to manage the demands on sea" by "releasing nature's recovery, supporting our fishers and renewables sectors".

September's final #FishyFriday!.

Not the best start to the day but an improvement on the gale of wind that blew through last night...

 

there were some good hake from the Britannia V...

and the one big beamer to land had a fine selection of these wriggly characters...

with some cracking brill...

ray wings...

and monk cheeks from the Crystal Sea...

a stack of quality ready to go...

along with some restaurant favourites, black bream...

just the one sardine boat braved the weather it seems...

while mackerel were still in good supply and a half decent run too...

those big bluefin are still around, anyone at Lands nd a few days ago would have seen them playing in the water right under the cliff...

top quality hake from the seiner...

the sun, trying its best to make its presence felt.

Sign up for fishing meetings!

 

We’re working in partnership with Defra, the MMO, NFFO, and UKAFPO on trialling new ways of working together.

Rather than having lots of meetings spread over a few weeks, there is going to be one event over three days.

It is taking place in St Ives and is an opportunity to contribute to the development of solutions to current and future challenges.

Due to limited places, you will need to register your interest in attending.

Applications will be reviewed to ensure the pilot has representation from a range of ports, fishing areas, fisheries, and gear types.

Agenda

*Wednesday 16 October*

• The implementation of published Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) - such as crab and lobster, and bass.

*Thursday 17 October*

• The development of draft FMPs such as skates and rays and the Celtic Sea mixed demersal which includes pollack and sole.

• The annual negotiations process and links with future fisheries management and opportunities.

• Opportunities for Future Funding

*Friday 18 October*

• Discussion on challenges and solutions for creating a more balanced approach to marine planning for future food security, energy security and marine environment recovery.

To register, head over to the CFPO here and they’ll send you a link to the form so you can register your interest for the event. You must do this by today, Friday 27th!

Defra have just launched a new Fisheries Management Plans blog! Subscribe now to keep in the picture.

Nicola Lewellen has announced the launch of a new blog dedicated to Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), headed by lead communications officer Claire Dyer. The blog aims to provide transparency into the development and implementation of FMPs, ensuring that the public is informed about the latest developments in this critical area.

Following the General Election, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is keen to share updates on FMPs. The department has been working diligently to prepare for the public consultation on five new Defra-led draft FMPs: 

• Cockle, 
• North Sea and Channel Sprat (jointly with the Scottish Government), 
• Queen Scallop, 
• Southern North Sea and Channel Skates and Rays, 
• and Southern North Sea Demersal Non-Quota Species.  

In addition, Defra is continuing to implement existing published FMPs, including 

• Bass (jointly with the Welsh Government), 
• Channel Non-Quota Demersal Species, Crab and Lobster (and Crawfish), 
• King Scallop (jointly with the Welsh Government), 
• Whelk, 
• and Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel Mixed Flatfish.  

With the support of new ministers, Defra is excited to move forward with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. The blog is a key component of the department's collaborative approach, and the public is encouraged to provide feedback on the content and topics they would like to see covered.

Subscribe to the blog here:

By commenting on blog posts and using the feedback link, individuals can help shape the direction of the blog and ensure that it meets their needs and interests. The blog will feature a variety of content, including updates on FMP development, behind-the-scenes glimpses into Defra's policy teams, and information on how decisions are being made.

Defra's goal is to make FMP development and implementation more open, accessible, and inclusive. By actively engaging with the public, the department aims to ensure that their voices are heard and that their needs and opinions are reflected in policy decisions.

The blog has already attracted some interesting comments!

Another misty Monday morning in Newlyn.

 

With the waning gibbous moon and the biggest tide of the year, the netting fleet will be all set to set sail today...

as a handful of handline boast chase mackerel marks south of the anchored Cefas Endeavour...

this morning's market boasts beautiful brill...

big bass...

and more mackerel than has been seen for days, so good to see Chris Morley's old boat tallies on the market, now skippered by young Will Roberts whose previous command

was the Layla May now in the safe hands of netter come handliner Woody...

some good haddock came courtesy of the Acionna...

along with a good shot of hake...

while pollack...

John Dory...

and a mix of other fish were signs the inshore boats are picking away...

the best run of mackerel size-wise for a while...

first of the netters to go, Karen of ladram...

on a very mild but misty morn.

Sunshine Powers Scotland's First Solar Fishing Boat: The Lorna Jane Sets Sail

 

Hans Unkles, a Scottish fisherman from Tayvallich, has become a pioneer in sustainable fishing with the Lorna Jane, the UK's first fully approved electric commercial fishing vessel. Driven by a passion for both fishing and renewable energy, Hans converted his 6.4-meter lobster potting boat to solar power, setting a new course for the industry.

Fueled by the Sun

The Lorna Jane's journey began with a retrofit. Previously reliant on diesel fuel, Hans replaced the engine with a 10kW electric motor powered by a bank of 4 x 460W bifacial solar panels. These clever panels capture sunlight from both above and below, maximizing efficiency. On sunny days, the boat charges itself while in use, and during calmer periods, the batteries can reach up to 90% charge.

Silent Running, Brighter Future

The switch to solar has brought several benefits. The most noticeable change is the peaceful operation. Hans now enjoys the tranquility of gliding through the water without the noise and fumes of a diesel engine. Additionally, maintenance costs are expected to decrease significantly due to the elimination of engine parts prone to wear and tear.

Embracing Challenges

While the conversion was a success, it wasn't without hurdles. The process took eight months, involving extensive modifications like raising the deck and building a new wheelhouse. Obtaining the necessary permits also presented challenges, requiring collaboration with the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency). The biggest hurdle, however, was financial. The conversion cost was significant, highlighting the economic challenges of transitioning the fishing industry to clean energy.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Effort

The Lorna Jane's success story paves the way for a more sustainable future for fishing. However, widespread adoption requires collaboration. Upgrading ports with shore-side charging facilities and providing training programs for fishermen to maintain electric vessels are crucial steps. Additionally, financial incentives can encourage wider participation.

A Model for Smaller Boats

The Lorna Jane's size and function make it a perfect model for smaller inshore fishing boats that rely on static gear. With thousands of such vessels operating in the UK, solar power offers a promising solution for a cleaner and quieter future at sea.

Hans Unkles's journey with the Lorna Jane is an inspiration for the fishing industry. It demonstrates the potential of solar power and the importance of innovation for a sustainable future. By working together, fishermen, policymakers, and the public can ensure a healthy ocean and a thriving fishing industry for generations to come.

Keep up to date with all the solar powered fishing news from the Lorna Jane here.

Ben Gunn makes his final voyage to Treasure Island

Ben Gunn, fisherman, artist, raconteur, philosopher, imbiber of life and Guiness.

Seated outside the Swordfish, Ben Gunn, one of Newlyn's very own adopted Scots and far from fictitious man-of-the-sea doing what he did best, spinning a yarn, long or tall short or not...

when he wasn't holding court in the Swordfish or Star he could be found down the quay...

heading off to sea. Seemingly, Ben at some time, removed himself physically as far as he could from the place of his home in Wick.  He fished around Scotland for some time and I recall one of his many true stories - recounted when we first met back when you could buy a 'quarter' for about the same as you would now pay for a pint. It went like this: Ben was stood on the quayside in Mallaig looking down on a small prawn boat preparing to sail when one of the crew arrived. Ben observed that he carried two carrier bags of grub - one seemed to be just loaves of bread, the other, bottles of whisky. When both bags were lowered by rope down on the deck the skipper below looked up and exclaimed, "Who the f***'s gonna eat a' the bread??! - or when he arrived in West Cornwall A&E late one Friday night and was treated by a doctor who complained about the amount of alcohol Ben had consumed, to which he responded by informing the doc that it was a lack of sufficient alcohol that was the problem. Such was his outlook on life - it was to be lived.

Having spent his life at sea, his favourite subject to paint is the ocean, with Ben capturing its ever changing beauty on canvas over many years. Gunn-Ho is the name of Ben's studio and his story, told by Wander. The short video, Gunn-Ho! was made in 2016 in which he muses about life, fishing and his place in the grand scheme if things. It was shown at the Newlyn Filmhouse during the 2016 Newlyn Fish Festival as a part of the 'Fish Films in the Fridge' screenings.

In addition to a lifetime at sea fishing, Ben, being true to his fictional namesake, also had a few eccentricities - not least, was a creative spirit which later in life he fully embraced - once by creating something of a Newlyn myth.

Continuing the tradition of art in Newlyn

Although they are somewhat faded today - you can still see an arrangement of stones where the Mary Williams Pier meets the walkway to the lifeboat house which, one day, mysteriously appeared covered in bright blue paint. Alas, there was no signature on this very contemporary art work but the shade of blue used provided a clue for those in the know as it was a predominant pigment in a certain Mr Gunn's artworks - which were by now coming to the attention of a wider audience than the passing holiday visitor trade from which Ben was selling to in order to subsidise his cheese habit.

With the physically hardship of life at sea fishing making to heavy a demand on Ben's body he turned to using his creative skills to supplement his income. His business card (of which, sadly, I can't find) featured one of his artworks and on the reverse his contact details, phone number and the words, "or ask at the Swordfish".

In a previous life, Ben sailed out of Wick and Lowestoft, Aberdeen and Grimsby from the 1960s and he saw action in the last Cod War in the waters off Iceland. In all. he spent 14 years fishing inside the Artic Circle.  All his life experiences went into the art works that were to follow.

A collection of his paintings were shown in the PZ Gallery fostered by the encouragement of Jeremy Le Grice. Ben's works, mostly seascapes, one review said "vary from the exuberant to distant views over rolling moorland. There is a level of irony in the titles of these works and “Bitch of a Night” returns us again to darker themes." said another.

For a period of creative time, Ben enjoyed the use of a first-floor studio in one of Shaun Stevenson's Newlyn buildings - a former net loft. From there, Ben went full-on creative. Below, you can enjoy a video tour of the studio shot on his studio open day:

So very sadly, Ben, of Fore Street, Newlyn,  passed away at West Cornwall Hospital on the 6th September 2024, aged 79. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Jackie and Son Darren, and his many friends and extended fishing family. 

On a visit, there are a number of Ben's art works to look out for that adorn buildings around Newlyn.

 
Ben's funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church, Chapel Street, Penzance on Tuesday 24th September 2024 at 12 noon. Traditional black funeral attire is not required. Following the service, all are warmly invited to raise a glass in memory of Ben, at the Star Inn, Newlyn.