Comparison of 2024 and 2014 on Through the Gaps

1. Regulatory Changes and Policy Discussions

In 2014, Through the Gaps highlighted local fishing activities, such as the operations of netters like the Ajax. By 2024, the blog shifted its focus to broader regulatory frameworks, including the impact of Brexit on UK fisheries and the implementation of sustainability measures. Read more here.

2. Technological Advancements

The 2014 posts showcased traditional fishing methods and equipment, with images of scallopers rigged for action (source). A decade later, the focus had moved to advanced technologies, such as the integration of data analytics to improve catch efficiency and reduce environmental impact (source).

3. Environmental Concerns

Environmental issues were less prominently featured in 2014. By 2024, Through the Gaps placed greater emphasis on sustainability, addressing overfishing, climate change effects on fish populations, and marine conservation efforts. Read more here.

4. Community Stories

In 2014, the blog shared personal stories from the fishing community, highlighting the traditions and resilience of fishermen and their families (source). This focus on community narratives continued into 2024, providing insights into the cultural significance of fishing in coastal towns (source).

5. Market Trends and Economic Analysis

Market trends and economic analyses were not prominently featured in the 2014 posts. By 2024, Through the Gaps provided in-depth analyses of market trends affecting the fishing industry, including seafood demand fluctuations and pricing challenges. Read more here.

6. Safety and Training

Safety and training topics were not a major focus in 2014. In contrast, by 2024, the blog had increased its coverage of safety at sea, with articles focusing on training programs and safety equipment advancements aimed at reducing accidents. Read more here.

7. Sustainable Fishing Practices

The 2014 posts did not extensively cover sustainable fishing practices. By 2024, there was a clear emphasis on adopting eco-friendly practices, with discussions on methods such as selective fishing gear and responsible harvesting techniques. Read more here.

8. Brexit Implications

Brexit was not a topic in 2014, as the referendum occurred in 2016. By 2024, the blog extensively explored the implications of Brexit on UK fisheries, examining changes in trade agreements and regulatory autonomy. Read more here.

9. Data Analytics in Fishing

The integration of data analytics was not discussed in the 2014 posts. By 2024, Through the Gaps highlighted how data-driven decision-making had become integral to modern fishing operations, enhancing productivity while promoting sustainability. Read more here.

10. Marine Conservation Efforts

Marine conservation efforts were not a prominent topic in 2014. By 2024, the blog featured collaborations between fishermen and environmental organizations aimed at protecting marine biodiversity. Read more here.

H72 FRANK BONEFAAS looking for fish.

At this time of year, some of the big, UK registered big freezer vessels make their way west chasing fish, mainly mackerel.

The Frank Bonefaas HS72 is 119.0 meters long and 17.0 meters wide. It was built in 2011. She recently left the Dutch port of Vlissengen and steamed south through the English Channel and then headed for the Western Approaches...

once nearing the south coast of Devno, she appeared to hug the 12 mile limit closely before turning north between Lands End and the Scillys...

 

the big freezer trawler spent most of the last 12 months working in the North Sea...

after transiting the traffic separation zone off Lands End, she headed north east, well outside the 12 mile limit...

where, late in the evening on Sunday, she slowed and possibly shot her trawl and towed until around 2am when she appears to have hauled and resumed at steaming speed...

looks like she is now headed for the west coast of Ireland at a healthy 14 knots.

First Monday market for 2025 in Newlyn.

The rain, it hath stoppeth...

but pollack make a showing for the first time this year...

the market was well supplied with a mix of mainly trawl and beam trawl fish...

along with fish from the inshore boats, many of whom had good shots of bass to show for the weekend's work...

tub gurnard...

ray...

Dover solew...

and dogs kept the buyers busy bidding online...

with plenty of plaice...

and megrims from the two big beam trawlers to land...

along with the odd eight-legger...

Tom managed to get away for the first time this year with the Guardian...

and a handful of red mullet topped off the top quality prize for the auction...

with the big spring tide coming to an end the netting fleet will look to sail later today...

the lights are on and she's ready to sail...

as is the Enterpise, which will see a crew change in the wheelhouse today...

there's a fine pair, laying bow-to-stern...

fish transport ready for the road...

big tides allow the bigger boats to ride on the cradle and up the slipway...

the old quay is all set for a bit of serious weeding come this weekend...

 - weather permitting!  Visit the Old Harbour website to get all the information you need on how to show your support.

 

Big boats landing in Newlyn this morning for Monday's market.

A big spring tide enable the port's largest boat...

the beam trawler, Enterprise to land directly to the fish market for Monday's auction...

while the Spanish flagged, Monte Mazanteu makes the first of her mandatory UK landings at the end of the Mary Williams pier.

Summer scallop closure planned for ICES areas 7d & e

 

A potential summer closure to the King scallop dredge fishery in ICES areas 7d and e has been proposed. The CFPO is forming a response and would welcome your input. 

Please call the office or email Chris to offer your feedback.

ADDRESS:

CFPO
46 Fore Street
Newlyn
Cornwall
TR18 5JR

T: 01736 351050

E: admin@cfpo.org.uk

Landings for the first #FishyFriday in Newlyn for 2025

First in to land for Thursday evening, the Serene Dawn and the Charlotte Clare...

begin the process of putting their sardine catches ashore, ice at the ready...

and empty tubs retrieved from the waiting artic...

before being lined up along the quayside...

next in to land, the Lyonesse...

first to unload, the crew on the Serene Dawn spring into action...

under the blaze of Xmas lights...

the first of the brails swings ashore...

as the Lyonesse crew hook in the tubs...

before swinging them ashore - the brightly covered fish are about to be given the Wild Seas Fishing lure treatment...

Joe is hoping its not going to be too long a night sat in the chilly confines of the ice works office, with only a flask of coffee to keep him company...

as more tubs of sardines come ashore - tonight's shoal was chased from inside Penzance Dock no less...

around fifteen tons of sardines coming ashore...

 

Friday's auction wasshort of fish, supplied mainly by a handful of hardy handliners, with Young Will on the Rachel & Paul matching old hand Shane on the Ali Cat pound for pound in the battle of the bass men - though Cod, the bass-meister was way ahead on the Butts....

nearing the end of a day that started at 3am for Nick Mackrory aboard his boat Gemini

the one big boat to land was the beam trawler, Trebssa IV, with a few haul's worth to get her going in the 2025 landings book.

EU & UK fisheries consulation summary for 2024/25

The document outlines the agreed arrangements and decisions made during the fisheries consultations between the United Kingdom and the European Union for the management of fishing opportunities for 2024 and 2025. Here are the key points:

1. Quota Management:

- Each Party can transfer up to 10% of its unutilized quota to the following year, with specific rules for bilaterally shared stocks and stocks with zero catch advice from ICES .

- Parties may authorize fishing beyond their quota by up to 10%, with deductions applied to the following year's quota .

2. Total Allowable Catches (TACs):

- Specific TACs were established for various species, including whiting in the Celtic Sea and plaice in the English Channel, with detailed allocations for both the UK and EU .

- The TAC for Celtic Sea whiting was set at 4,810 tonnes for bycatch in certain areas, while the TAC for area 7d was agreed at 27,564 tonnes .

3. Access Arrangements:

- Access arrangements for albacore were agreed, allowing for an initial total of 280 tonnes to be targeted in each Party's exclusive economic zone, with potential for in-year adjustments .

4. Data Exchange and Reporting:

- The Parties committed to improving the electronic exchange of data for management and control purposes, ensuring efficient data-sharing to mitigate regulatory divergence .

5. Consultative Stocks:

- The Parties acknowledged their obligations to provide sufficient notice before setting or amending TACs for consultative stocks, as outlined in the TCA .

6. Inter-Annual Flexibility:

- The document emphasizes the importance of inter-annual flexibility in quota management to enhance the effectiveness of fisheries management .

7. Prohibited Species:

- Updated lists of prohibited species were exchanged, ensuring both Parties are aligned on management practices .

8. Future Discussions:

- The Parties agreed to continue discussions on various matters, including access arrangements and quota management, through the Specialised Committee on Fisheries (SCF) .

Overall, the document reflects a collaborative effort to manage shared fish stocks sustainably while accommodating the interests of both the UK and EU fishing industries.

The key quota decisions affecting Area VII, particularly for 2025, are as follows:

Celtic Sea Whiting:

The Parties agreed on individual catch limits under the Celtic Sea whiting TAC (WHG/7X7A-C) for whiting in areas 7d and 7b-c, e-k. ICES issued zero catch advice for whiting in areas 7b-c, e-k for 2024, leading to an agreed bycatch TAC of 4,810 tonnes for these areas. The TAC for area 7d was set at 27,564 tonnes as part of trilateral consultations between the UK, EU, and Norway . English Channel Plaice:

The Parties agreed to exchange quotas, with the UK receiving 360 tonnes of quota from the EU in area 7e, while the EU receives 360 tonnes from the UK in area 7d .

Access Arrangements:

Access arrangements for albacore (ALB/AN05N) were established, allowing each Party to target an initial total of 280 tonnes of albacore in its exclusive economic zone. This arrangement is set to remain in place until 31 December 2025 . 

Quota Transfer Mechanism:

A mechanism for voluntary in-year transfers of fishing opportunities was noted, allowing each Party to transfer unutilized quantities of up to 10% of its quota to the following year . These decisions reflect a collaborative approach to managing fish stocks in Area VII, ensuring sustainability while accommodating the needs of both the UK and EU fishing fleets.