The huers would have been shouting!!

Back in the days of seine fishing for pilchards, 'huers' (lookouts) took up their positions in lookouts along the Cornish coast looking for signs of pilchards, most likely diving or wheeling gulls. They would have been very exited in Mounts Bay over the last few days as sardines have been in abundance.

For most of December and into the New Year the Newlyn sardine fleet sailed, weather permitting, only to find no sardine fish marks in Mounts Bay. The fish to all intents and purposes had disappeared. The fleet sought fish all the way along the south coast, from Falmouth to Mevagissey and as far as Plymouth – with some success but ultimately, landings were well down as compared to previous months. 

The spawning season for the fish is largely over and at this time of year the high fat content – crucial for canning – begins to drop so changes in behaviour are inevitable. The Christmas break also meant that the two local processors that take most of the fish landed were also running at limited capacity.

However, the start of the New Year has seen the return of shoals in fishable waters in Mounts Bay and the fleet have been working at near full capacity to take advantage of the un-seasonally fine weather.

Sustainability

It should be noted that, last year, the entire Cornish sardine catch was less than 10,000 tons from an estimated stock of 450,000 tons representing a harvest rate of just over 2% - many pelagic fisheries around the world harvest up to 30% of the total stock per year. The fleet takes weekly samples from their catches to help the scientists at Cefas with their data collection - an event almost unique in UK fisheries management. See the Cornish Sardine Management Association website for more information.

 

Several boats in the fleet are now using shore pumps to deliver their catches ashore.

Chilly #FishyFriday in Newlyn

With the netting fleet all at sea and toughing out some uncomfortable conditions it was down the the beam trawl and trawl fleet to supply the market with most of the fish this morning...

though that didn't stop a smattering of inshore caught species being landed like this set of strange bedfellows...

even a few spider claws made it to market...

along with bass...

and pollack...

the bigger boats helped fill the gaps with some big ling...

and John Dory from the Spirited Lady

lemons from the Billy Rowney...

that was landed alongside the market yesterday...

 by this top trio...

with no net fish on the market it was down to all three trawl boats to keep the hake market supplied...

a handful of inshore boats made it to sea and landed a smattering of mackerel...

while young Will toughed out the day to put some well-earned bass bucks ashore.

The "Handbook of Fish Species Exploited in the EU".

 

This comprehensive guide offers an illustrated overview of key marine and freshwater species that are significant to the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector. You'll find detailed information on each species, including their biological characteristics, fishing and farming practices across Member States, and important EU conservation measures. Plus, the handbook provides the names of these species in multiple languages, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in aquatic life in Europe. 

The handbook highlights several significant EU conservation measures aimed at protecting fish species exploited in the EU. These measures include:

1. Allowable Catch Limits: The handbook indicates the allowable catch for various species, which helps manage fish populations and prevent overfishing.

2. Minimum Size Regulations: It specifies minimum size requirements for certain species to ensure that fish are allowed to reach maturity before being harvested, promoting sustainable fishing practices.

3. Species-Specific Conservation Measures: The handbook outlines specific measures tailored to the conservation needs of particular species, which may include restrictions on fishing during spawning periods or designated protected areas.

These measures are crucial for maintaining the sustainability of fish stocks and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems in the EU 

Read the full document below which can also be found on the EU website:

 

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.