Of the Sea video - What can fishermen tell us?

In 1981, there were 6,900 fishing vessels in California. Today, only 1,800 remain. Exploring the causes of the decline, including complex regulations, high costs, declining fisheries, and competition with cheap farmed and imported seafood, OF THE SEA follows the fishermen and entrepreneurs who are creating new models for supporting sustainably produced seafood. With local filmmaker Mischa Hedges at the helm, OF THE SEA tells the story of California fishing communities struggling to revive a fading way of life and, through them, the story of the future of sustainable seafood. 

The film poses the question, “What can we learn from fishermen?” (A lot, as it turns out.) 70 min; Sneak Preview.

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with a special emphasis on things Belgian and Scandinavian.

Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association's new Facebook page.

The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) has launched a new Facebook page to highlight how the association is working with scientists to support the sustainability of pelagic fisheries.

Created by the SFPA’s new chief scientific officer, Dr Steven Mackinson, the Facebook platform will aid in the communication with the fishing industry and other interested parties regarding the broad sweep of scientific work being undertaken by the association.

The initial content is focusing on an industry led survey currently underway on the status of the West of Scotland herring stock and includes video clips of some of the sampling work being undertaken.

Dr Mackinson said: “There is often much mystery shrouding the techniques used in marine science and the challenges encountered. Our aim is to shed light on this scientific work by providing relevant information on our Facebook page in an informative and easily accessible manner.”

The Facebook page can be viewed at www.facebook.com/SPFAScience

EU Fisheries Statistics 2016.

0° in Newlyn, not a cloud in the sky.

Tom looks out over a bay devoid of clouds with the sun about to surface...

inside the market, there are plenty of top quality fish from the Aaltje Adriaantje...

like lemons sole...

and a big trip of megrim soles from the Trevessa IV...

though it looks like one of the netters provided breakfast, lunch and dinner for a few seals...

a few blues and paws...

along with good hauls of mackerel from the St Ives handliners...

best reds and brill...

catch the eye of a visiting fish fan...

name that fish...

pristine pollack...

banging tub gurnards - try these whole, a few herbs and shallots in the gut cavity bury in wet sea salt and bake for 40 minutes in a hot oven - impress your friends...

more of those MSC Certified hake...

a pair of black and red bream...

more pollack, just a few of a stunning looking trip from Phil and the boys on the Govenek of Ladram...

mixed fish from boy Roger...

and a few squids of which there seem short supply this year...

fish heading off the market floor...

past some of the visitors...

not one but Three Jays...

under the light of the newish moon.

All quiet on Saturday morning.

Sardine boats and inshore trawlers at res over the weekend...

while on the beam trawler, Billy Rowney there's a brand new10 fathom trawl to match the beam being made up...

there's some sexy new stainless steelwork gone atop the gunnel on the good ship Galilee...

both sides on the Billy are almost ready for sea...

while there is still plenty to do fitting out the new Rowse supercrabber...

which means the Ajax will have plenty of time to try out their crab gear for the first time this tide - the boat is limited in deck space so only a couple of strings are going aboard this trip.  Should give Matt something to keep him busy as he gets back in the saddle!

Silver Harvest from the Golden Harvest.

VesselTracker's AIS traces the week's work, tonights haul was taken just off St Clement's Isle off Mousehole...

the Golden Harvest is equipped with the latest bulk fish handling system that enables her to pump fish from inside the net into the three RSW (refrigerated sea water) tanks...

while Jack prepares the deck for landing, young Tom brings up the ice scoop, the fish are landed into 400Kg insulated tubs full of slush in water...

with the boats working on a quota of 10 tons per night skipper Dan has opted to work a smaller net...

Dan the sardine man! from Laurence Hartwell on Vimeo.