Well over 30 species of fish on Newlyn's Monday morning's market!

 

Still dark it may be, but getting lighter, earlier day by day...

while it may not be the season, there are still fish like these spiders being landed...

and making an impact again this week are bass...

and this rarely landed fish, one to ID, if you can...

hopefully the sardine boats will be landing again this evening as there is a visiting group of Japanese  MSC on their way to Newlyn from Edinburgh today...

sharks of all kinds graced the market...

and some cracking gurnards from the netter...

more sharks, though thankfully for the boat not spurdogs this time...

a good selection of black bream...

and yes, those Mediterranean octopi are sill moving across the grounds...

landing at first light...

the North Devon based twin-rigger...

Bideford registered, Our David George...

pollack seem plentiful enough...

as do bass, a good day's work for Mr Pascoe on the Huers...

the one beam trawler to land was the St Georges put ashore plenty of monk...

and quality flats...

and yet more bass from all of the netters like the Britannia V...

to go with their hake...

the same went for the Stelissa...

Silver Dawn...

and Ygraine...

Two years of fisheries management plans: progress and what’s next

It’s been two years since the first fisheries management plans (FMPs) were published. With five more Defra-led plans published last week and Scottish Government consulting on their first 11, it is a good time to look back at what has been achieved so far. FMPs are central to how we manage our fisheries more sustainably, balancing the needs of communities and the environment.

What’s gone well

A truly collaborative process

Defra and delivery partners have worked closely with fishermen, and other stakeholders across the UK to develop and begin to implement our FMPs.

Collaborative working is at the heart of how we are developing and implementing FMPs. We would like to thank all of you that have been involved.

Engagement events, meetings and new stakeholder groups have brought together commercial and recreational fishermen, and environmental NGOs - often for the first time.

Discussions in these groups are essential to make sure each FMP is practical, innovative and responsive to real world needs.

Improving transparency

We introduced our blog as a trusted place to find updates and explanations on how FMPs are being delivered. It has become a key part of how we share updates and stay open with you. Engagement continues to grow with over 9000 visits to the site this year.

We recently launched the FMP directory on the blog. This was a big step to bring together information about each of Defra’s plans. You can find ways to get involved or stay updated with groups that are working on, or give updates on, FMPs.

Getting on with implementation

Both Defra and Marine Management Organisation (MMO) have led actions across the published FMPs.

New legislation was introduced to help manage flyseine effort in the English Channel. This legislation also increased the Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRS) for brill, lemon sole, turbot and crawfish to protect the juveniles of these species.

For bass we’ve reviewed both the shore based netting provision and the commercial authorisation system to identify improvements that could be made. We also launched the cuttlefish action plan which concluded a number of actions including a report on improving data found in markets.

Looking ahead, new minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS) for brown crab in the South West and lobster in England will be brought in early next year. These steps follow the recommended measures in the FMPs.

In addition, we’re also designing new effort management systems for scallops, crab and lobster.

We have also started work with the European Commission to develop a joint UK/EU Multi Year Strategy on king scallop management. An expert group has been established involving UK and EU scientists to offer independent analysis and advice.

Building our evidence base

20 scientific research projects are underway to address key gaps in evidence related to FMPs. These projects are informed and prioritised by a Research and Development (R&D) steering group, with members that represent the views of various stakeholder groups.

These projects will improve our understanding of how to manage stocks in a sustainable way. For instance, new stock assessments for species with limited data, like crabs, lobsters, and scallops will give us a better understanding of stock status, and whether measures are needed to ensure these stocks are not over-exploited.

Our research will also inform how to reduce carbon emissions in the fishing sector, reduce bycatch, increase survival of discards, help us move towards an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, and more. These projects are being delivered by bodies including Cefas and MMO, with support from partners including IFCAs, academia and industry.

The aim of the R&D work is to deliver research to address current and emerging evidence gaps and support the implementation of FMP measures and goals in accordance with the objectives listed in the Fisheries Act 2020.

Preparing for emerging issues

As well as setting direction for long term development of fisheries, FMP implementation allows us to react to emerging issues.

When an octopus bloom appeared in the South West, we supported work to understand its immediate and long-term impacts, co-funding a research project with Plymouth City Council which looked to provide early indications of the nature and likely extent of population change. Working with MMO, we were able to quickly bring in octopus ID cards to help fishermen support both the plan and the future of the fishery.

The challenges

Bringing about change across diverse fisheries isn’t simple. Some elements need more time and attention than others.

FMPs are ambitious so we need to carefully prioritise what actions happen first, and what can happen in the future based on available resource.

Better data is crucial. We’re working to fill the gaps on some species, habitats and social economic impacts to improve decision making.

Balancing social, environmental and economic priorities is challenging. Not everyone agrees, but we continue to actively involve individuals and groups to deliver the best outcomes under the Fisheries Act.

Looking ahead

Putting the plans into action is key, as is monitoring results and refining as we learn.

Collaboration remains vital as we test and adapt the evidence base and management options, and groups will also play a central role in coordinating delivery and tracking effectiveness. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with you in 2026 and beyond.

Down comes the scaffolding on the new Resource Centre!

 

Storm Goretti was not responsible for the scaffolding coming down from the new build in the harbour...

and now the building is beginning to look complete - from the outside! Fitting out the rooms is due to be completed over the next three months.

#FishyFriday's market full of fine fish!

First light in the Bay reveals the jack-up rig, Seafox 7 in the distance...

the market was dominated by quality fish this morning with fish like these cracking red mullet

probably best to avoid plaice though, however good those spots make them look, it's coming up to the end of their spawning season so save buying any till the summer when they will have done a bit of bodybuilding and regained their strength...

bass were everywhere on the market...

alongside this lonely red 'black' bream...

more bass.,,

the sardines keep coming...

oh, and dogs too...

the guys on the Ocean Pride will not have been impressed with this lot appearing in their nets as they came over the hauler...

newcomers to the market, tender tasty Mediterranean octopi have two rows of suckers...

unlike these, the type commonly landed by trawlers in Newlyn...

more bass...

more red mullet...

and a missing mug mystery...

the beamers, Enterprise and Billy Rowney both landed shots of monk...

and megrims sole...

a quality mixed inshore trawl trip...

no doubt these prime turbot will top the price rankings on this morning's auction sheets...

more bass...

hake from the Stelissa...

and yet more bass from the netter Britannia V...

to go with their hake...

and dogs... 

it was dark enough for the boats at rest this morning.

Fish landings this week in Newlyn - high prices continue.

 

The week at Newlyn began under the lingering shadow of a restless weekend. With heavy weather and awkward tides keeping much of the fleet tied up to the quay, the market saw a slow start, eventually building momentum as the conditions relented and the netters and other boats found their window of opportunity.

Monday: A Solid Start

Monday’s auction opened with a respectable 6.1 tonnes, primarily bolstered by a single stern trawler alongside the ever-reliable inshore boats. It was a diverse spread, but the 1.5t of Mediterranean Octopus and 1.6t of Monkfish led the volume stakes. Quality was reflected in the bidding, with N3 Dover Sole hitting a premium £20.25/kg, while N1 Haddock saw a sharp £6.27/kg.

Tuesday: Weathering the Storm

The momentum was briefly checked on Tuesday. The hangover from the weekend’s adverse weather, coupled with difficult tidal conditions, resulted in a sparse market. The inshore fleet managed to land just 2.7 tonnes, though there was a notable showing of 1t of Bass and a small contribution of MSC Hake to keep the buyers engaged.

Wednesday: The Fleet Finds its Gear

By Wednesday, the "Gaps" began to fill. The netters and inshore boats returned in force, delivering a robust 10.9 tonnes for auction. Bass remained a significant feature at 1.7t, but it was the 2.3t of MSC Hake that dominated the morning’s work.

The highlight, however, was in the pricing:

N1 John Dory: £21.93/kg

N2 Lemon Sole: £20.53/kg

LM Mackerel: £14.60/kg

Thursday: Peak Volume

The week hit its stride on Thursday as one beamer and three netters joined the inshore fleet to land a substantial 20.9 tonnes. The variety was a testament to the versatility of the Newlyn fleet, with 2.5t of Mediterranean Octopus and 2.2t of MSC Hake leading the charge.

Notable landings included 2.1t of Pollock and 1.5t of Megrim, with the cuttlefish starting to show at 1t. Across the board, prices remained firm, rewarding those who had braved the elements earlier in the week.

Good start to the New Year for the Cornish Sardine fleet!

 

After a tough few months in the run up to Christmas the sardine boats are enjoying better fishing in both Mounts Bay and Mevagissey. The last few days have seen hundreds of tons of fish brought ashore as the fleet took advantage of some better weather after the devastating blast that was Storm Goretti - a storm in which 80% of the tress on the iconic St Michaels Mount were brought down. Over 60,000 people were without power in Cornwall, some for three days. However, the boats from Newlyn were soon back at sea to take advantage of the cold but calm weather conditions.