Penzance Food Festival was launched in 2024 with a clear mission: to create an event that celebrates Cornish food culture while actively contributing to the wellbeing of the local environment and community, committed to leaving Penzance better than before: economically, socially, and environmentally.
From the outset, the event has supported climate-conscious practices, encouraging low-carbon travel, reducing energy use, and working with traders who champion sustainable, locally sourced ingredients in line with Penzance's Plastic Free status. Circular economy principles guide every decision, from eliminating single-use plastics and embracing compostable serve ware to reducing food waste and ensuring recycling is streamlined and accessible.
Set in Penlee Park, a cherished green space, the festival treads lightly, protecting the area’s natural assets while showcasing Penzance’s culture, community, and coastal heritage. From spotlighting Newlyn’s responsible fishing practices to supporting local artists and producers, the event creates a place-based celebration that inspires both visitors and suppliers to be part of a more thoughtful, sustainable future for tourism in Cornwall.
where all hands work together to bring to auction on average over 40 species of top quality fish fresh from the seas off Cornwall every day of the week...
fish like inshore caught small-eyed ray wings...
or beam trawl plaice...
octopus...
red gurnard...
spot ray...
fly-seine caught John Dory...
pouting...
hake...
haddock...
spotted ray...
more haddock...
tons of octopus...
megrim sole...
lemon sole...
Dover sole...
and monk tails...
though there was a distinct lack of inshore fish owing to poor weather keeping the small bouts harbour-bound...
and these guys even more vigilant than normal for the chance of a few scraps...
high in the morning sky, a waining moon ...
as the morning sun breaks the horizon over the still waters of the harbour.
What's in a few millimeters? When it comes to the iconic native oyster (Ostrea edulis) of the Fal Fishery, it’s the difference between a struggling, endangered species and a hopeful future. For the first time in over a century, the minimum size for catching these incredible shellfish has been increased, marking a monumental win for conservation and the very heart of this historic fishery.
The change, signed into law on July 21st, 2025, by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), is a seemingly small tweak with an enormous impact. The minimum landing size (MLS) for wild native oysters has been increased by 5mm, from 67mm to 72mm.
From Chef's Plate to Conservation Crusade
This victory is the culmination of years of hard work, research, and a dedicated campaign led by one man, oysterman Chris Ranger, known to many as 'Ranger.' Since starting in the industry in 2008, Chris was bothered by the fact that he was gathering oysters that were too small for the market, only to have them sold elsewhere. His initial focus was on meeting market demand, but a pivotal moment in 2017 at the World Oyster Symposium in Wales changed everything.
There, he learned a sobering truth: native oyster populations globally have plummeted by a staggering 85-95%. This shifted his focus from the size chefs wanted to what the species desperately needed to survive. He began his own research, gathering data on growth and reproduction. This work led him to found the Fal Fishery Cooperative Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2019 to bridge the gap between the traditional sailing fleet and scientific authorities.
What Ranger's research showed was a powerful truth: with just 18-30 more months of growth, oysters not only get bigger, they become crucial to the fishery's future. An oyster that might weigh 40-50g at 2-3 years old could grow to 70-90g at 4-5 years old. Even more importantly, delaying the harvest until they reach this size could quadruple the recruitment of larvae and spat—the next generation of oysters—into the fishery.
A New Voice for the Fal
The path to this change wasn't easy. It required the formation of a new, more effective committee. After a period where the industry felt it had no voice, a new Fal Fishery Management Committee (FFMC) was formed, bringing together license holders and community members. This new committee was built on a key principle: a majority vote would be enough to enact change, a critical shift from the old rule that required a unanimous decision.
In a landmark meeting in July 2023, the FFMC agreed that the only way to reverse the declining stocks was to increase the MLS. They proposed the 5mm increase to 72mm, and with a majority vote, the motion passed. After a formal public consultation and a bit of a delay due to the General Election, the proposal was finally signed.
A Sustainable Future
For Chris Ranger, the timing is less important than the outcome. "I will take 101 years," he says, acknowledging the century-long gap since the last increase. He believes this new regulation, if properly enforced, will have a dramatic effect.
"Just 5mm represented 10-12% of the weight or revenue to oyster gatherers, but a massive 25-28% of the oysters landed or sold on," Chris notes. He is confident that within a few years, the fishery will see a better biomass, leading to a more sustainable and viable industry for future generations.
This isn't just a win for the Fal. It's a powerful story about how persistence, community action, and a focus on conservation can create a positive change for a critically endangered species and the ancient traditions that depend on it.
What are your thoughts on this new regulation? Do you think this kind of collaborative effort can save other struggling fisheries? Let us know in the comments below!
The NFFO have released a new video as part of their series FISH SAFE.
This video focuses on man overboard recovery equipment in response to ongoing accident trends within the fishing industry.
This latest video focuses on small fishing vessels, as this is the sector with the highest statistics relating to man overboard.
The video also features CFPO member skipper, Tom Lambourn, who gave up some of his time to test various pieces of innovative equipment.
Ever since losing her for'ard mast in a storm-hit harbour in January, the 135 year old Ripple has been resting quayside alongside the old Pilot House on the North pier where early this morning she began taking on water before sinking rapidly three hours after high water...
luckily, Jeremy was on hand and quickly positioned powerful pumps fore and aft...
which quickly pumped the boat empty in readiness for the flood tide...
which will reach its peak around 6:40 this evening.
Monday morning's market was awash with fish from beam trawlers, gillnetters, inshore trawlers, netters and potters and a handful of punts that braved the fresh breeze over the weekend...
so here's quick walk through the market from end-to-end...
no rose-tinted dawn this morning...
as the Crystal Sea runs a smashed trawl ashore...
looks like Harvey's crab factory is steaming ahead down the Coombe...
not a bad start to the week weather-wise...
especially for those lucky enough to be heading out to sea...
in an almost flat calm, just to the right of the lighthouse is the starting point for every height as measured by the Ordnance Survey in the UK... ...
there was a small Spanish landing in Newlyn this morning...
the Karen of Ladram took on an entire fleet of nets this morning...
ad the fuel arrived for the bigger boats in the fleet...
New EU IUU Regulations and the Fish, Trace, Ship Campaign
The European Union is updating its Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations, which means the UK seafood industry must prepare for new requirements to ensure exports can continue smoothly. Our Fish, Trace, Ship campaign is designed to help everyone in the industry—from fishers and merchants to processors and exporters—understand and take the necessary steps to comply with these imminent changes. We urge you to get on board to avoid disruptions.
A Call to Action
According to Nick Greenwood, Head of Marine Protection and Operations Services at the MMO, the goal is to work with the industry to ensure no business is left unprepared. "We need your help to spread the word that these changes are coming," he said. Making changes early to how you share information and create export documentation will ensure a much smoother transition. Starting in January 2026, if the new information is not provided, you may not be able to sell or export your produce.
Find Out More
The MMO has launched a dedicated campaign website, www.FishTraceShip.campaign.gov.uk, to serve as an easy-to-access resource. The site includes sections for fishers and exporters and will soon add information for importers and transporters. It's a one-stop shop for the latest news, FAQs, and educational guides.
Get Involved
We are seeking industry representatives to participate in user research sessions from September 15-19 to help shape the changes to work best for you. We especially need those involved in processing to discuss proposed amendments to the Processing Statement. If you're interested, please sign up here.
Anyone in the industry can also sign up here for user research on other planned changes to the Fish Export Service.
