Take the FMP Programme Evaluation Survey

 

Fishing Industry stakeholders are being invited to take part in the following voluntary survey about Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs).

An FMP is a document that will set out policies and measures to manage fishing activity. FMPs are evidence-based action plans, designed collaboratively with stakeholders. For the UK, the plans will help to deliver the fisheries objectives set out in the Fisheries Act 2020.

This survey is open to the following stakeholders who have a stake in English sea fisheries:

• Recreational anglers
• Commercial/recreational fishing associations/organisations
• Retail/ trade organisations
• Environment non-governmental organisations
• Academia

Commercial fishers can respond to these questions through the Fishing Industry Social Survey which will launch shortly.

The survey will explore your views on the approach used to develop the FMPs and the impact you feel FMPs may have. Your responses will help to provide understanding of what has worked well and less well, and will help generate lessons to inform how FMPs are developed and implemented in the future.

Completing the survey will take between 5 and 15 minutes. Before completing the survey, please read this Information Note explaining why the survey is being conducted, what participation will involve, and providing a privacy notice regarding data protection and points of contact to address any doubts or complaints you may have. Please take the time to read it carefully.

The survey is being conducted by ICF which is an independent research consultancy, in partnership with the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) and Howell Marine Consulting (HMC), on behalf of Defra. If you have any queries please contact us at: FMPEvaluation@icf.com.

Cornwall community quota trial management plan

Since 2024, Defra has been running a community fishing quota trial in Cornwall. The group consists of Cornwall Council, the Cornish Fish Producer Organisation and the Duchy Fish Quota Company. The key aims of the trial include: supporting new entrants supporting fisher progression in the industry through quota access incentivising the use of more sustainable techniques and gears The trial will run for 3 years.  

The group is a partnership between the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO), Duchy Fish Quota Company (DFQC) and Cornwall Council.

Read the full explanation of the project here:

Given a voice, how will it be heard?

Crucially, last week, CFPO boss Chris Ranford was given the opportunity to speak in front of an audience invited by the Crown Estate

Balancing the needs of energy, food security, nature and coastal communities is important when thinking about the future of our seabed.

Experts from the fisheries space for an in-depth and open discussion, providing an opportunity to build on collaborative partnerships and support the delivery of the best outcomes for the nation.

Collaboration on the data and evidence is vital in meeting our long-term ambitions for net zero, nature recovery and thriving communities. During the event, fisheries representatives gave their perspective to support the development of our Marine Delivery Routemap, a holistic and long-term view of how the seabed is used.

Last year, the CFPO responded to the latest move by the Crown Estate to manage the seas around Cornwall and the South West in this paper: 

Industrialisation of the seabed. One for all, all for one, or, one to finish another?

Government launches fishing and marine environment inquiry.

EFRA to launch its next thematic inquiry.

'Never morning wore to evening but some heart did break' Walter Lngley

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is today launching the next of its thematic inquiries, on fisheries and the marine environment.

MPs will delve into the challenges facing the fishing sector, including access to labour and competing spatial pressures on the marine environment.

The inquiry will see the Committee scrutinise the outcome of the Autumn 2024 fisheries negotiations between the UK and its nearby coastal partners, including the EU and Norway.

It will assess the implementation of post-Brexit fisheries policy and examine UK/EU quotas and arrangements for access to waters, and catch-allocations, from June 2026.

The Committee’s inquiry will also look into the issues of marine conservation and will investigate the management of protected areas.

Chair comment

The Chair of the EFRA Committee, Alistair Carmichael MP, said:

“The fishing industry is rooted in the island and coastal communities that help define our country. It is at the heart of local communities and a vital part of many local economies. 

The fishing sector had hoped to see improved opportunities when the United Kingdom left the EU. In this inquiry we will examine the implementation of government fisheries policy since Brexit. There are also concerns among the fishing community about changes from June 2026 onwards to the UK-EU arrangements for access and catch-allocations. 

We will consider whether the Government’s current approach will deliver the best possible outcomes for UK . More widely, our inquiry will also examine the state of the marine environment, looking at the protection of marine mammals and seabird species.”

As it strives to deliver its energy, environmental and growth commitments, balancing the pressures on the marine environment will be a challenge for the Government.

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, the UK takes part in several different international fisheries negotiations as an independent coastal state to agree total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for fish stocks shared with other coastal states. The Committee will scrutinise the outcomes of these negotiations, as well as other outstanding issues around domestic fisheries management and EU-UK fisheries cooperation.

The fisheries and the marine environment inquiry will provide consistent scrutiny of the issues and competing challenges facing the fishing sector and the UK’s marine environment. It will focus on fishers, seafood processors, consumers, environmental advocates, scientists, and coastal communities, and seek to engage with these stakeholders in formal calls for evidence, public evidence sessions, visits, engagement events and consultation.

The Committee will call for evidence on a regular basis. The Committee will produce iterative and focused reports throughout the inquiry.

Topics for scrutiny will include, but are not limited to:

• international fisheries negotiations;
• UK/EU quotas and access to waters from July 2026;
• management of protected areas;
• competing spatial pressures on the marine environment;
• implementing post-Brexit fisheries policy, including the adequacy of Fisheries Management Plans;
• marine conservation, including protection of marine mammals and seabird species;
• access to labour; and food security.

This inquiry will engage the Committee’s cross-cutting work on supporting rural and coastal communities and weather and climate resilience, as well as its inquiry into fairness in the food supply chain.

If you have information or evidence which may be of interest to the Committee, please contact: efracom@parliament.uk  

 

Fishermen and art - inextricably linked.

 

A Celebration of Daphne McClure’s Life and Work at Cornwall Contemporary

The first solo exhibition of 2025 at Cornwall Contemporary Gallery in Penzance is set to be a truly special one, celebrating the life and work of the late Daphne McClure. A highly regarded artist with deep ties to Cornwall, Daphne’s influence on the artistic community continues to resonate, and this exhibition brings together a remarkable collection of her work, including some never-before-seen pieces.

Born in 1927, Daphne McClure’s artistic journey was filled with notable achievements. Early in her career, she worked at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, collaborating on costumes for esteemed designers such as John Piper for The Magic Flute and Barbara Hepworth for Midsummer Marriage. Throughout her life, she enjoyed numerous sell-out exhibitions, was commissioned by Tate St Ives, and was invited for a prestigious residency by the Josef and Annie Albers Foundation in Connecticut.

Daphne passed away in 2023 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that is interwoven with Cornwall’s rich artistic heritage. Her work sits alongside those of Lanyon, Nicholson, and other renowned St Ives painters who found inspiration in the landscapes and daily life of Cornwall. Daphne’s paintings reflect her love of the region and her passion for capturing its unique atmosphere, making her work highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

This exhibition is a rare opportunity to experience the depth of Daphne McClure’s artistic vision. Featuring a diverse range of works from various stages of her career, including some previously unseen drawings and paintings, the exhibition promises to be a poignant tribute to an artist whose work remains as relevant and captivating as ever.

Daphne's son, skipper Tom McClure and his inshore trawler, Guardian from Newlyn.

Adding to the significance of the event, Daphne’s daughter, Emma McClure, will also be exhibiting her own paintings on the second floor of the gallery. The mother-daughter connection in this exhibition highlights the continuing artistic legacy within the McClure family.

Visitors can preview the exhibition on Cornwall Contemporary’s website, and those on the gallery’s mailing list will receive an invitation to the opening event.

Daphne McClure – Solo Exhibition
14th March – 12th April 2025
Cornwall Contemporary Gallery, Penzance

Mountains of fish on Monday morning's market!

A 3˚ Dawn breaks over the harbour...

and for some...

this much fish is just too much to bear,...

there'stons of hake from the Stelissa...

Ocean Pride...

Britannia V

Ygriane

and Kerry M

and plenty of dogs...

the Silver Dawn...

 may well have just put ashore one or two...

despite the official data, there's no shortage of pollack being landed...

it was down to the big netters to land monk tails this morning...

teamwork...

good shots of tub gurnards...

and a handful of good looking bream...

all contributed to a busy auction to start the week...

with all hands hard at work...

overnight supplies of sardines...

and its been a while since tallies from the good ship Keriolet were spotted on the market...

there will be more of these on the market come the summer months...

great black-back gulls lording it over the pickings to be had from a trawl on the quay - "The great black-backed gull is the largest member of the gull family. It is a very aggressive hunter, pirate, and scavenger which breeds on the coasts and islands of the North Atlantic"...

with two sets of gear heaved aloft to be worked on, there's a day's work ahead for the boys on the Lauren Anne.

 

Opportunity - Become a Newlyn Harbour Commissioner!

Three new Board Members needed for Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners

Newlyn Harbour has been the heart of the Cornish fishing industry for over 140 years. As one of the largest fishing ports in England, our harbour continues to thrive, welcoming mariners, supporting our fishing fleet, and embracing the community’s rich maritime heritage.

We are now entering an ambitious phase of growth to ensure the harbour not only meets the needs of future generations but also plays a transformational role in the economy of West Cornwall. This growth is driven by the changing needs of our users, changes in technology, and changes to our climate and environment. Our vision includes upgrading infrastructure, supporting the blue economy, and advancing sustainability initiatives to preserve Newlyn’s unique heritage.

To guide this exciting journey, the Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners (NPHC) are looking to recruit up to three exceptional individuals to join our Board.


About The Role

As a Commissioner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic future of Newlyn Harbour. You will oversee key organisational and executive activities, including:

• Ensuring safe operations and compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code.
• Driving improvements in environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Supporting the delivery of infrastructure and development projects.
• Building relationships with stakeholders, including MPs, local authorities, and the maritime community.
• Contributing to effective governance, strategic planning, and financial oversight.

What we’re looking for

We seek motivated and forward-thinking individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Environmental matters
• Financial expertise, including funding and investment
• Commercial licensed fishing or wholesale fish selling
• Water-related leisure interests

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and analytical skills
• A proactive and collaborative approach to decision-making
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• A commitment to the principles of trust port governance
• We are committed to increasing the diversity of our Board and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Commissioners are expected to:

• Attend Board meetings every two months, typically held on a Friday morning.
• Participate in working groups, sub-committees, or regional/national meetings as needed.
• Devote time to email communications and ad hoc tasks.

Terms available:

One Commissioner for an initial 3-year term (renewable up to 3 terms).

One Commissioner to complete an existing term ending 30th May 2026 (renewable for up to 3 terms).

One Commissioner for a 1-year fixed term (renewable as needed).

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to contact our recruitment partner, Anna Jay, Managing Director of Public Leaders Appointments, for a confidential discussion:

Email: anna@publicleadersappointments.com reference ‘Newlyn’

Phone: 07904 236 348

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter (no more than 3 sides of A4 each), explaining your motivation and how your skills align with the role.

Closing Date

Applications must be submitted by 12 noon, 13th March, 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews on 2nd April 2025.