First FishyFriday in July sees the start of Mousehole Sea, Salt's & Sail Festival!

Starting at 2pm today, the wonderfully intimate Mousehole Sea, Salt's & Sail Festival...

where you can get to enjoy an eclectic mix of sounds including Mousehole Born and bred Daisy Rickman's debut release album...

back in Newlyn many of the boats are still at sea despite the continuing rising coast of fuel which has already impacted on the fleet and forced some bigger vessels to lay up......

despite higher than average prices for quality fish like Dover sole......

megrim...

monk...

red mullet...

and turbot...

name this ray...

the inshore boats are still making good landings of other ray...

and the handliners are enjoying some summer bass...

and plenty of mackerel in the bay...

which will have put a smile on Cap'n Cod's face no doubt...

paws a-plenty...

and bait for the crabbers...

along with the odd box of big ling...

good to see Joe back at the helm again...

with the price of mackerel sky-high this guy may be waiting for his breakfast a while yet...

Girl Pamela heads out through the gaps...

as the Lyonesse Lady heads in...

sleek wind farm vessel MMS Crusader...

another classic sailing boat headed for some fun in Mousehole later today...

work continues on the quays in Newlyn replacing worn fenders...

the Nazarene takes advantage of a quiet berth on the beach in the Old harbour, a safe haven for boats since at least the 12th century...

another classic boat waiting for the tide to enter Mousehole...

for Sea,Salt's & Sail...

a festival very much about the community and the working boats that used to fill the harbour - good to see the lugger, Guide Me, built in 1911 and still without an engine - she has seen a family raised aboard her and sailed across the Atlantic before now, Cornish history in the flesh...

"Once upon a time you could look down on the channel between St. Clement's Island and Mousehole Harbour and see one of the largest Cornish fleets of luggers, heading out to their fishing grounds. Sea Salts and Sail will re-enact that scene as over forty traditional boats with similar tanned sails, leave the port, tacking back and forth inside and around the island. This festival really reveals Mousehole's close relationship with the sea. From kids paddling at low tide, sculling races, to the harbour packed full of historic vessels, it’s when the village really comes to life. It will be a very nostalgic scene whether you are a spectator on the shore or a participant under sail - be there! The best way to arrive is by classic boat, of course - I'll be on the 40' lugger Barnabas." 

Toby Floyer - Skipper of lugger Barnabas, 1881 St Ives mackerel driver (Cornish Maritime Trust)

Crusader bound away.

 

EFRA committee meeting with Fisheries minister, Victoria Prentis - full meeting.

On June 21st, Lord Teverson Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change), Chair, EU Environment Sub-Committee, Chair, EU Environment Sub-Committee To asked the Government what steps they will take to assist the under 10 metre fishing sector in meeting its increased fuel costs.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Defra replied that;

"We will continue to support the fishing sector through the £100 million UK Seafood Fund, which as one of its main objectives seeks to increase the sustainability of the sector, including through investing in the transition to renewable energy.

Defra is also making £32.7 million in annual funding available across all four nations of the UK, which last year enabled grant schemes to be opened in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, benefiting hundreds of UK businesses. The grant scheme for England, the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, delivers investment to safeguard the long-term sustainability, resilience and prosperity of the seafood sector. This includes a wide range of support aimed at fishing vessels, with enhanced funding rates of up to 80% made available to members of the small-scale coastal fleet.

In recognition of the challenges in the maritime sector, including the fishing industry, in the 2022 Spring Budget the Chancellor overturned the 2020 announcement to remove the red diesel entitlement for commercial boat operators, meaning the industry can continue to use red diesel, in addition to the Marine Voyages Relief, which gives 100% relief on fuel duty costs.

The increasing cost of fuel is affecting a wide range of sectors including the fishing industry and vessels of all sizes are being affected. Our primary focus is on analysing how the UK fleet is being affected by fuel and fish prices. Defra Ministers and officials are working with colleagues across government, along with a wide range of stakeholders, and are closely monitoring the situation.

The Government has shown long term commitment to the sector and will continue to do so in the future. As part of this long term commitment we are not planning to repurpose funds to mitigate the impacts of high fuel prices. We consider this is a cross cutting issue, and so are liaising with colleagues across government to determine the longer-term impacts and any mitigating actions.

Environmental Food and Rural Affairs Committee met with Helen McLachlan Head of Marine Policy RSPB, Scotland and Victoria Prentis MP

On Tuesday the Environmental Food and Rural Affairs Committee met with Helen McLachlan Head of Marine Policy RSPB, Scotland and Victoria Prentis MP Minsiter for Farming and Fisheries. The members present were: Sir Robert Goodwill (Chair); Kirsty Blackman; Geraint Davies; Barry Gardiner; Dr Neil Hudson; Julian Sturdy; Cornish MP Derek Thomas.

The EFRA Select Committee, are continuing our investigation into the UK seafood fund. The second part of the meeting was with the Minister, Victoria Prentis, and one of her officials. 

In this first section, we have three witnesses. 

Dr Stewart: It is a pleasure to be here. I am Dr Bryce Stewart. I am a senior lecturer at the University of York. I am director for engagement and partnerships in the department of environment and geography. I am trained as a marine ecologist but have increasingly broadened out into general issues around fisheries management and marine conservation. 

Chloe North: I am Chloe North. I manage the Western Fish Producers’ Organisation, which is a co-operative of fishing companies based mostly in the south-west and covering a range of gear types. 

Helen McLachlan: I am Helen McLachlan, head of marine policy at RSPB. I am here today representing the views of the Future Fisheries Alliance, which is a partnership of the Marine Conservation Society, WWF and RSPB.

Below is a transcript of the second part of the meeting with Victoria Prentis MP.

Breton ports are landing fewer langoustines: should we be worried?

Langoustines débarquées pour la vente à la criée du Guilvinec en août 2020. (Photo d’archives Le Télégramme/Nicolas CREACH)

In the Breton auctions, the tonnages landed fell by more than 35% in the 1st half of 2022 compared to 2021. Nearly 836 tonnes over the first six months of 2021 and 538.30 t a few days before the end of the first half of 2022. Admittedly, the langoustine boats have raised the bar a little in recent weeks, but the fall in supplies has proved dizzying (nearly - 62%, at 13.34 cumulative tonnes) at Saint-Guénolé, much more moderate at Loctudy (- 29%, at 48.73 t) and closer to the average at Concarneau (- 33%, at 251 ,27 t) and Le Guilvinec (- 37%, at 225 t), according to a situation update on 21 June.

Average price up 16.40%

However, the increase in the average price of 16.40%, at this stage, makes it possible to limit the loss in value. These four Cornish auctions mentioned above totaled €6.74 million in revenue from the sale of langoustines, compared to nearly €9 million in 2021 at the same time. This price varied from €11.45 in Loctudy to €12.83 in Guilvinec, while it was between €9.25 in Loctudy and €11.10 in Guilvinec in the first half of 2021.

To read on the subject

Why have fewer langoustines landed in Lorient since the beginning of the year? What explanations? “If the fishermen had the answer, he would give it to us”, comments Morgane Ramonet, at the departmental committee for fisheries and marine farming in Finistère?. “The assessment made by Ifremer last year does not indicate a significant drop in the abundance of Norway lobster. A priori, the langoustine is there, it's just that it's not easily fishable,” she continues. “It's the weather conditions, the temperature variations that will make it come out, or not, of the burrow. This drop seems random to us, as it happens in some years,” continues Morgane Ramonet.

Norway lobster population up 15% in 2021

On the side of Ifremer, the scientists observed "a significant increase in the population of langoustines in the Bay of Biscay in 2021, of approximately + 15% compared to 2020", after "very low levels observed in the years 2018, 2019, 2020, the lowest over a 60-year history”. In 2022, the campaign, which results in video observation of the burrows as part of the Langolf-TV program , was to take place from April 15 to 29, with the prospect of a point between scientists and fishing professionals at autumn.

The fresh langoustine does not like the heat we have had lately, it devalues ​​it for sale At the Guilvinec fish auction, its assistant manager David Derrien confirms a relative recovery this month "with a current price rather around €10, with no unsold stock at the moment although this sometimes happens in June, but we have had a few close lots the withdrawal price around €7-€8 per kilo”. “Fresh Norway lobster doesn't really like the heat we've had lately, it devalues ​​it for sale,” he points out. The average price of €12.52 per kilo across the four Breton ports, since the beginning of the year, seems to him "consistent" given the quantity and quality of arrivals. In 2021, this average price reached €10.76.

Translated from Le Telegramme courtesy of Google.

MSC Board of Trustees unanimously approves new Fisheries Standard

MSC Certified Cornish Hake - one of 539.

New version will ensure MSC-certified fisheries continue to be recognised as global leaders in sustainability

After a comprehensive four-year review, involving over 1,000 stakeholders and significant scientific research, the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the new version of its Fisheries Standard, hailing it as a ‘major achievement’.

539 fisheries are currently certified to the Standard, representing 16% of wild marine catch, making it the largest sustainable fishing programme in the world. The influence of the MSC Fisheries Standard extends far beyond this, with its requirements used globally as a framework for those seeking to improve ocean sustainability.

The review involved the most extensive consultation ever undertaken by the organisation – including fisheries, scientists, assessors, environmental NGOs and industry representatives. It addressed some of the most difficult issues facing the ocean, including protecting marine biodiversity, incentivising stronger ocean governance, whilst providing tools to expand accessibility of the MSC’s market-based sustainability programme to small-scale and emerging market fisheries.

The significant improvements approved by the Board will ensure that MSC-certified fisheries continue to be recognised as world leaders in sustainability, helping to drive progress towards achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including the target of ending overfishing. As the new Standard is rolled out and implementation begins, MSC experts will be making available a full programme of training and guidance to support fisheries and assessors apply the new requirements.

In a statement

issued by the MSC’s Board of Trustees on Friday 24th June 2022, its Chairman, Dr Werner Kiene, said: “We would like to thank all of those who have contributed to this review – in particular, the MSC’s scientists who led this extensive, complex review with great dedication and expertise, as well members of our governance bodies from all parts of the world, who have generously given their time and knowledge to shape this new Standard. We recognise the value of this exceptional work.  The Board is keenly aware of the importance of the MSC Fisheries Standard, and its role in driving change in our ocean. While there are sometimes competing views of what should be in the Standard and where the bar is set, we strongly believe that this new version strikes the right balance between setting a high ambition for sustainability with the need to make sure that the requirements are practical for the best performing fisheries around the world to implement over appropriate transition timelines.”

Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the MSC said:

“I am profoundly grateful for the enormous amount of stakeholder engagement and input over four years and for the dedication and hard work undertaken by MSC’s Governance Bodies that has enable MSC’s Board of Trustees to approve the new standard.  On the eve of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon the world’s attention is increasingly focusing on the critical need to ensure our ocean resources are managed sustainably, for this and future generations. MSC’s new Fisheries Standard will deliver real benefits and contribute to accelerating the delivery of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through the continued engagement and support of our partners. This is good news for the ocean, fishers and consumers.”

The improvements include:

· A new approach to protect endangered, threatened or protected species. Fisheries will be expected to minimise their impacts on such species to help their population recover. · A Fins Naturally Attached policy will be mandatory in all fisheries that retain sharks. These measures will strengthen the existing ban on shark-finning in MSC-certified fisheries.

• · Some existing requirements have been stream-lined with the objective of making assessments more efficient and improvements in methods to aid data-limited fisheries, will improve accessibility.

• · New measures for multi-jurisdictional fisheries, managed by RFMOs, to secure credible, robust harvest strategies. ·

New evidence requirements will ensure that fisheries - especially those operating on the high seas with unwanted catch that includes, for example, marine birds – will have to produce stronger proof of how they are managing their impacts.

The new version of the Standard will be published in October 2022. Fisheries entering assessment for the first time will apply the new Standard from May 2023. While certified fisheries have a maximum of six years – a reduction of the previous transition time - to adjust their practises to meet the new Standard.

Sunny Monday in Newlyn.

Sardine boat, Pelagic Marksman upon the hard for a pre-season hull check...

on the final Monday morning market in June there is plenty of top quality fish to chose from...

which the buyers cannot wait to whisk away, jus check out the nimble footwork of Little Graham...

as over 300 boxes of hake from skipper Chunky on the Ajax...

is followed by another 2300 from the twins on the Ygraine...

a fine pair of turbot...

and a couple of huge threshers should keep those BBQs supplied with top tasting fish...

Mad Joe heads in with his morning's mackerel...

and waits patiently while the grading machine is used by young Mr Pascoe to help sort his morning's line-caught mackerel...

there are still plenty of spurdogs across the grounds...

and pollack for those prepared to look...

while proper summer fish like these red mullet...

John Dory...

and pristine turbot...

if only they were all the size of this huge plaice...

a fine example of a spur on one of the Stelissa's dogs...

the grinning smoothound...

and yet another mediterranean octo...

along with a few bass...

and big cod...

sadly, the door of harbour cafe remains firmly closed so there is no chance of an early morning full English for the port's workers...

beautiful big 'butt...

 always good to see there's mackerel around and see punts queueing to land.

Sunny Sunday in the Bay

Classic sailing vessel Maybe is in the bay for Quay Day as part of Golowan Festival...

the boys have landed another top quality hake trip from the good ship Ygraine...

a whole host of Rowse crabbers...

as Penlee lifeboat heads out at speed...

with young Kenny D aboard...

to see the ship he spends most of his waking time aboard...

the nautical equivalent of a fly-past I guess...

young Sheriff has just emerged from his chores down in the engine room of the Cornishman...

before trimming a few lemon soles...

and haddock he has smoked and is now dry-curing, a common sight aboard the fleet of Belgian and Dutch boats that used to visit Newlyn during spells of bad winter weather in days of yore...

the classic lines looking aft...

and for'ard on the maybe...d

time for the lifeboat to head back...

for the gaps...

visiting Brixham beam trawler, Our Pamela Jill...

and another classic yacht indeed graces the end pontoon berths.