The Lobsters and Crawfish (Prohibition of Fishing and Landing) Order 2000 - Post Implementation Review

Review summary:

The Post Implementation Review (PIR) assesses the effectiveness of The Lobsters and Crawfish (Prohibition of Fishing and Landing) Order 2000 and its 2017 Amendment. The main focus is on laws prohibiting the fishing and landing of berried lobsters and crawfish, which were enacted to ensure sustainable fishery practices and protect juvenile marine organisms. The review highlights the challenges faced in compliance and enforcement, particularly in identifying violations related to berried lobsters. While some positive impacts on stock health have been noted, achieving Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) remains an ongoing goal, necessitating further measures and research to ensure effective management and protection of these species.

Measures Being Assessed

The review assesses three primary measures:

1. Prohibition of fishing and landing lobsters and crawfish with a V-notch: This aims to prevent the capture of individuals that have been marked for conservation purposes.
2. Prohibition on mutilated lobsters and crawfish: Protects injured marine life that may not have a chance to recover.
3. The 2017 Amendment: Expands protections by prohibiting the fishing and landing of berried, or egg-bearing, lobsters and crawfish, enhancing the protection for spawning female lobsters and crawfish.

Impact of Fishing Pressure

The document indicates that lobsters and crawfish populations have faced significant pressure from fishing activities, leading to overfishing. National assessments highlighted that European lobster stocks in English waters were overfished, evidenced by studies conducted in 2011 and 2014. The lack of sustainable practices and management at that time contributed to declining stocks. The legislation aimed to reverse this trend by protecting spawning stocks, thereby allowing overfished populations to recover over time while ensuring that juvenile lobsters and crawfish could enter the fishery in healthier numbers in the future.

"Strengthening Our Seas: Insights from the IFCA Conversations Report"

'Conversations with the IFCA' is a report from Dr Sarah Coulthard at Newcastle University recognising achievement and strengthening capacity in the delivery of regional co-management of England’s inshore seas.

Summary of the Report

The report "Conversations with the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA)" discusses the current performance and future opportunities for IFCAs in managing England's inshore waters. Through interviews with over 70 IFCA staff and members, it captures insights on their achievements, challenges, and the potential for strengthening their operational capacities. The report emphasizes the importance of recognition from central government and the public regarding the contributions of IFCAs, while noting that their limited resources often constrain effective communication of these successes. The included Theory of Change suggests pathways for enhancing IFCA capabilities and collaborative efforts across the regional co-management framework.

Key Strengths Identified in the IFCA Model

The IFCA model is recognized for several strengths encapsulated in what is termed the "IFCA triangle of regional co-management." Key points include:

- Democratic Involvement: IFCAs provide a platform for diverse stakeholder engagement, balancing various interests in marine resource management .

- Evidence-Based Decision Making: They navigate the complexities of fisheries management using both qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring decisions are informed and transparent .

- Resilience and Adaptability: IFCAs demonstrate the ability to respond to changing circumstances, as evidenced by their ongoing commitment to sustainable fisheries and marine conservation despite facing challenges .

Insights from Survey Data

The survey data collected from IFCA staff and members reflects a common sentiment regarding the need for improved recognition of IFCA achievements by central government and the public. Many respondents indicated a heavy workload that hinders effective self-promotion. A noteworthy finding is that while IFCA staff believe they provide valuable services and uphold their mandate, they also express concerns about underfunding and the resulting limitations in their operational effectiveness .

Threats Posed to IFCA

Several threats to the long-term viability and sustainability of IFCA operations were identified in the report:

- Underfunding: Persistent inadequate funding undermines the capacity of IFCAs to fulfill their mandates effectively, which could lead to diminished management capabilities and impacts on sustainability .

- Public Perception and Recognition: Insufficient public and governmental recognition of IFCA's contributions may weaken their credibility and support, creating a risk of being sidelined in marine governance discussions .

- Political Interference: The potential for political pressures can hinder decision-making processes, impacting the ability of IFCAs to implement necessary but unpopular management strategies .

- Deteriorating Relations with Stakeholders: Erosion of trust with fishing communities and stakeholders can lead to conflicts and challenges in policy implementation .

In summary, while IFCAs achieve substantial outcomes within their regions, they face significant hurdles that could limit their progress and effectiveness in marine management.

Read the full report below:

Thursday evening through to the first #FishyFriday morning in March.

The crew of the Golden Harvest have their work and net cut out, as they begin the painstaking task of mending the tiny meshes of their sardine ring net, they'll be on the quay for a couple of days more yet...

anyone on watch on the Georgina of Ladram enjoys some seriously panoramic views from her wheelhouse...

things are a little more compact on the Our David George...

early evening and the sardine fleet are bound away...

now headed toward the end of the season...

which will re-open in July...

the old 'Admiral' is back, now seeing out her years as the Twilight...

fish box distribution hub...

looks like the Annie May is towing something in...

oops, looks like one of our drones is missing...

young Will has been hard at it this week doing the Rachel & Paul proud with over a ton of mackerel in the landing book...

hopefully there will be a grader in action to sort his fish shortly...

meanwhile, the market gears up for the morning auction...

with good landings of inshore, trawl and beam trawl fish...

featuring red mullet...

and, at this time of year, plenty of Dover sole...

that make up the bulk of beam trawl trips...

signs that the weather is changing, there's a fog hanging over the bay this morning...

as young Mr Smart takes stock of his morning's work...

throughout the season, the sardine boats always land a selection of sardines to keep the local restaurants supplied and fish shops supplied...

there are two tyes of octopus landed on a regular basis to the market, one considerably easier to cook than the other...

inseperable...

at the last count there were over 60 turnstones running around the quay expecting to be fed, haven't ever seen so many...

the fog is slowly lifting...

a legacy of the past and still to be seen around town...

just one of the local fish counters all set for the day.

Exciting Opportunity: Fleet Engineering Manager – Newlyn

Are you an experienced Commercial Marine Engineer looking to take the next step in your career?  

This is your chance to lead a small engineering team and manage a fleet of fishing vessels (24m and above) for a well-established business in the industry.

What You'll Be Doing:

🔹 Leading & coordinating the engineering team and contractors for both preventative & reactive maintenance.

🔹 Planning & maintaining records to ensure fast-moving parts and critical spares are readily available.

🔹 Ensuring all vessels are safe, compliant, and meet regulations.

🔹 Upholding the company's Health & Safety policies.

What We’re Looking For:

✅ Commercial marine engineering experience is essential.

✅ Knowledge of Caterpillar high horsepower diesel engines is a strong advantage.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic and forward-thinking team in Newlyn, Cornwall.

Interested? 

Get in touch: [debbie@debbiecawleyrecruitment.co.uk]

Happy St Piran's day!

 Pure Cornish Fishing Gold

Gool Peran Lowen dhe bubonan yn Kernow hag a-dro dhe’n bys!

Chart the future course of your industry - Residential Event

 

This F-REP will be a 2-day event designed to help people from the fishing industry, science and fisheries management to understand each other’s expertise and work together effectively. We support learning, sharing knowledge, building connections & developing skills so they can work together to develop well-managed fisheries.

This event is for people who are fishing or working with the fishing industry in the Southwest. The agenda will be tailored for those working handlines, rod and line, fixed nets, and/or mobile gear, catching Pollock and Bass, and also relevant for those catching tuna and small eye ray.

There will be a mix of informal learning and sharing knowledge, pub quiz, practical exercises, eating and drinking together, & guest speakers.

Get in touch with Emma if you want to register or find out more: 

emma@fitf.co.uk / 07311 812 105



What is F-REP all about

The development of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) is overhauling the way we do fisheries management in the UK – creating the opportunity for fishermen, scientists and policymakers to work together to develop fisheries research and policy.

With this in mind, we are inviting you to apply for the Fisheries Resource Education Programme (F-REP), focused on sharing key knowledge and building the skills and connections for everyone to work together effectively. Take a look at an example of our South Coast agenda and event sessions.

How can I get involved?

We are looking for people working in the fishing industry, research, and policy to join us on a three-day residential event.

Register your interest by filling out this form or contact Emma at Fishing into the Future to tell us about yourself and why you would like to participate.

This is a collaborative event, and financial support is available for participation and to cover time and associated costs.

Why should I take part?

We believe that co-management – an approach where key groups work together in decision-making – is the best approach to build sustainable fisheries and a prosperous fishing industry.

But the success of co-management depends on having the right conditions for everyone to work together. This workshop will equip you with the skills, connections and confidence to further (or to jumpstart) your participation in fisheries research and management.


What do past workshop attendees have to say?

“I came with my 18-year-old son, as a fisherman, I really feared for his and my future as no one seemed to care nor did we know how to engage with anyone who would care, now after attending this event, we know how to do just that. I feel we now have a future in fishing.” F-REP south coast participant, 2023

“I had a very jaded view of policymakers and scientists built up over the years. But coming here and socialising with everyone has been a wonderful learning experience” F-REP east coast participant, 2024

“As a relatively new entrant to the commercial fishing industry, much of the legislation I have to adhere to has been a mystery, not to mention the fisheries management terms and acronyms. This course was superb in explaining the science and management structure of the fishing industry.” Participant from FITF residential event, London, 2020

“In the 34 years I’ve been a fisherman, we’ve never been taught how fisheries are managed, and how science interacts with the fishing. I’ve been waiting a long time for a course like this to come along, and it’ll make a real difference to the next generation of fishermen.” Mark Robertson, Fisherman FITF residential event in Aberdeen, 2017

FUNDING PROVIDED BY Cornwall Good Seafood Guide

Safety flyer to the fishing industry - Lexi Rose

Fishing Vessel Lexi Rose Tragedy: Key Safety Lessons for Inshore Operations

A fatal accident occurred on September 21, 2023, when the single-handed creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose grounded and capsized near Melrose Point in north-east Scotland. The skipper, who was operating alone, struck a rock promontory with his outboard engine while navigating between creels in small coastal coves. This caused immediate loss of propulsion when the engine's lower assembly unit detached. Within just four minutes, waves pushed the vessel onto rocks. Though the skipper made two radio distress calls on a local working channel, he was later found unconscious in shallow water. Despite helicopter recovery, he was declared deceased en route to hospital. The investigation revealed he had suffered a significant head wound, likely rendering him unconscious before or immediately after entering the water. Critically, although normally available onboard, the skipper wasn't wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) nor carrying a personal locator beacon.

The MAIB investigation highlights several important safety lessons which can be seen in this safety flyer: