New Course Alert: Small Ships Navigation and Radar at SCT Newlyn

Are you looking to advance your maritime career? **Seafood Cornwall Training (SCT) Newlyn** has just launched a new course designed to help you gain essential qualifications for roles in fishing, workboats, and more.  

This 5-day course is a key requirement for:  

Small Ships Navigation and

Fishing Deck Officer Certificate of Competence

Workboat qualifications

Master <200gt certification

Special Introductory Offer!

Normally priced at £845, we’re offering this course for just £212 for our initial intake. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to upskill at a fraction of the cost!  

How to Book

Secure your place today by contacting us:  

📞  01736 364 324

📧  Info@seafoodcornwalltraining.co.uk

Spaces are limited, so act fast to take advantage of this discounted rate. Whether you're in the fishing industry or looking to expand your maritime credentials, this course is a crucial step forward.  

Stay ahead—train with the best at SCT Newlyn! 🚢⚓

2nd National Fishing Memorial Day, Sunday 11th May, 2025

A message from the folks at the Mission.

Following the appreciation of last years service, we are holding the 2nd annual Fishermen’s Memorial Service Statue to mark The National Fishing Remembrance Day on Newlyn Green, Newlyn. If the weather is inclement the service will be held at St Peter’s Church, The Coombe, Newlyn. The Fishermen’s Mission is organising this and many other services in fishing ports across the UK that day. You are all most welcome to join us.

We will reflect on the impact of those lives lost at sea from Newlyn and others around the Cornish coast. We will remember by name those who have been lost, but not forgotten – those who brought fish to our tables. There will be a wreath laid, any families or friend are also most welcome bring to a wreath or flowers to lay down. The service will be led by Eddie Fletcher (Port Officer for Cornwall, based in Newlyn, and the Revd. Derath Durkin, Deputy Chair of the Fishermen’s Mission, who is resident here in Newlyn.

Waiting for the Boats  - Walter Langley

The National Fishing Remembrance Day Service will give the opportunity to commemorate the lives lost at sea and pay tribute to their valuable service, and give thanks for those fishermen who still fish in our waters to bring fish to our tables. Fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the UK in peacetime. The bravery of fishermen and the hard labour they endure should not go unrecognised. The people of St Peter’s church will provide teas and coffees in St Peter’s Church after the service for those who would like to join us there, follow the crowd!

Bank holiday weekend over - plenty of fish again in Newlyn!

Yet another Bank Holiday weekend at sea for the boys on the hake netter Ygraine as they land their fish to the market, one angling boat astern...

beam trawl, seine and trawl fish filled the market...

with John Dory...

and well over 20 species in just this bay alone...

at this time of year many of the beam trawlers target megrim sole...

and other quality fish...

the Trevessa IV even got in on the langoustine act...

while the Scottish prawn boats land their prawns direct to the processors and put their white fish on the market for auction...

the big fly-seiner made another landing of quality fish including these hake...

and these bite-size squid...

while some of the inshore boats have been reaping the rewards of deploying cuttlefish traps...

and mackerel of course...

blue skies but still a little on the chilly side out of the sun!

 

First #FishyFriday in May.

 Annie, May the second...

with netters not landed it was down to trawlers like the Boy Enzo...

and Crystal Sea to put some hake ashore...

a fine looking ling...

it's Dory time, nearly...

even the prawn boats got in on the Dover scene...

and now these big octopus are showing signs of increasing in abundance...

the handliners have been busy on the bass...

there's new boots going down the quay...

looks like the concrete piles have been completed to start the groundwork for the new Resource Centre...

an unusual sight at this time of year, four coasters at anchor waiting for orders...

the creation of a new seafront along Newlyn Green following the damage caused by the severe stroms that passed through in the winters of 2013/14 changed the appearance of the beach in many different ways.

 

Poll finds strong support for UK control of fishing waters ahead of EU talks

 

A poll has found strong support among the Scottish public for the UK control over its fishing waters, ahead of a trade summit with the EU in May. Fishing is expected to be one of the key topics at the talks with the bloc on May 19. 

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) says fleets in the UK are not seeing enough in return for EU vessels accessing British waters. The industry organisation argues that EU vessels catch up to £500 million worth of fish annually in UK waters, compared with £75 million caught by UK vessels in EU waters. Opinion Matters surveyed 1,010 adults in Scotland in early April this year. Some 87% said they agreed “the UK should control who fishes in UK waters”, and 83% said any multi-year deal for access to UK waters should be paid for with something of benefit to Scottish fleets. Meanwhile, 86% said any new arrangement with the UK and EU should put the Scottish fishing industry first.

Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “These results send a strong signal to negotiators in Westminster and Brussels. “The Scottish public are crystal clear – our fishing industry must not be sold short again. “During the last negotiations, access to our waters was given away too freely and we saw precious little in return. That cannot happen again. “This poll confirms that Scots understand the value of fishing to our economy, our coastal communities and our national food security – and they expect their governments to stand up for those interests.” The SFF says the industry suffered particularly during the Brexit transition.

Full story courtesy of Aberdeen Live.

Big tide and the promise of big blue skies for the week!

A promising start to the week with blue skies...

and not a breath of wind...

the weekend saw the last of the netters in to land some stunning tub gurnard...

hake...

pollack...

and turbot  from the Ocean Pride...

plenty of megrim from the big beamer, Billy Rowney...

and some top quality fish like these lovely plaice from the big Lowestoft registered, Annalijdia...

which has been working the Western Approaches for the last few weeks...

the inshore guys are continuing to enjoy some good foshing with hooks...

and its a wrap...

as the morning's purchases head for the waiting transport...

leaving the local gulls...

and seal waiting for an easy breakfast.

 

Catch the film, Wind, Tide & Oar coming to Newlyn Filmhouse.

"Wind, Tide & Oar" is a captivating documentary that explores the world of engineless sailing. Filmed over three years on analogue film, the movie follows individuals who navigate using only the natural elements. This cinematic experience showcases traditional boats across the UK, Netherlands, and France, delving into themes of ecology, heritage, and maritime history. More than just a film about sailing, it invites viewers to reflect on our relationship with nature and the importance of sustainability.

A Echo of Fishing's Sailing Heritage

For those familiar with the historical significance of sail in the fishing industry, "Wind, Tide & Oar" offers a poignant connection to that bygone era. Before the advent of engines, fishing fleets relied entirely on the wind and tides to reach their grounds and return with their catch. The skill and knowledge required to navigate solely by these natural forces were paramount to a fisherman's livelihood and survival. This film, by showcasing the enduring principles of engineless sailing, subtly echoes the ingenuity and deep understanding of the marine environment possessed by those who once worked the seas under sail. It serves as a reminder of a time when human endeavor was intimately intertwined with the power of nature, a relationship that resonates even today.

The Days of Fishing Sail: A Historical Context

The reliance on sail in the fishing industry extended for centuries, shaping maritime communities and practices. Different types of sailing vessels, from the sturdy luggers of Cornwall to the elegant smacks of the North Sea, were developed to suit specific fishing methods and sea conditions. Fishermen possessed an intimate knowledge of weather patterns, tidal flows, and celestial navigation, skills passed down through generations. The transition to engine power in the 20th century dramatically altered the industry, increasing efficiency but also severing a vital link to traditional seafaring knowledge.

"Wind, Tide & Oar": A Modern Reflection

"Wind, Tide & Oar" can be seen as a modern-day reflection on this rich maritime heritage. By focusing on individuals who choose to navigate without engines, the film highlights the enduring appeal of traditional sailing skills and the importance of respecting the power of nature. It offers a counterpoint to our increasingly mechanized world, reminding us of the beauty and resourcefulness inherent in a simpler, more sustainable way of interacting with the sea. The film subtly celebrates the legacy of those who fished under sail, echoing their spirit of self-reliance and their deep connection to the marine environment.

Catch it in Cinemas Now! The film was released in UK cinemas on Friday, April 25th, 2025. You can catch "Wind, Tide & Oar" at the Newlyn Filmhouse on Friday the 2nd May and at many other cinemas across the UK - see the website for more info.