The swans are back in town!

Looks like a swan family has taken up residence in Newlyn again...

on this rather dull and overcast morning...

where even the gulls look somewhat subdued...

not so on the market with plenty of be cheerful about with some seasonal squid a-plenty...

while some play the, 'where's my box gone' game...

there it goes...

superb looking inshore soles...

and plenty of ray wings...

and a tubby turbot form Tom...

the reddest of red mullet...

and adorable Dory...

amongst the other 37 specie up for auction...

including six of these beauties...

plenty of pollack from the pollack trials...

and that man was at the bass and mackerel again...

there's work to be done later aboard the Ocean Pride...

and maybe the Crystal Sea, though her crew are probably very keen to have a run ashore...

especially as the not-so-good forecast might just keep the boats tied up for some of the week coming...

the St Georges is up, just about the biggest boat the slip will take...

Winter of Ladram riding high on the big tide...

with the vivier driver busy topping up the tanks.

 

A UK first - canned Cornish bluefin tuna!

The UK's First Canned Bluefin Tuna

A fishing innovation last year happened when the UK witnessed a historic moment as licensed fishing for bluefin tuna became a reality. The burgeoning market for these magnificent fish has presented a challenge for buyers: how to handle, prepare, and process them to perfection. 

Enter Chris Ranger, an oyster fisherman and sustainable fish canning pioneer based in Mylor on Cornwall's picturesque Fal Estuary. Over the past 2 years he has pioneered canning shellfish in Cornwall, then this year started validating #TinnedFish including pilchards, mackerel and haddock, and in November started the Bluefin Tuna production. 

Now, in collaboration with fellow fisherman Chris Gill from Mevagissey, he's turning his attention to bluefin tuna. By producing small-batch runs of canned bluefin tuna cuts, Chris is setting a new standard for sustainable seafood preservation.

Here, Chris describes the day he went to sea and caught a bluefin himself to be processed at his Cornish Canning Company's cannery:

"This was such an epic experience, and I cannot thank my ol' school mate from the 1980s, Chris Gill, he is a pioneer in the Cornish Bluefin Tuna industry, he spent years on the 'catch and release' program, studying the stocks and then writing the Cornish Tuna Fishery Management Plan, he is one of the few registered and licensed commercial fisherman, and operates out of Mevagissey.

So, following a chance catch up, he invited me to come and catch a Cornish Bluefin Tuna so that I could can it in my Cornish Canning Co cannery, at Mylor Harbour, probably the first tuna to be caught and canned in Cornwall, and it was caught just off the coast between the two harbours...

Two fish were caught that day, a 74kg, the one in the cool bag, which we filleted without filming, then the one I caught, 56.6kg, which is in the time lapse footage, both caught using rod and line, just off the Cornish Coast aboard 'AQUILA' FY324, Official Landing Number - ICCAT 71"

This is just one of many of Chris' adventures over the years, from pop-ups, festivals, Ranger's Oyster Bars, Cornish Canning Co, and the new Tinned Fish Cafe.

Young Fishermans' Podcast Launches Friday, 29th Nov at the Fisherman's Arms, Newlyn

 

A Podcast Highlighting the Next Generation of Seafarers

A new podcast series, Young Fishers, is shining a light on the vibrant and dynamic world of young fishers across the UK.

Produced by Cornwall-based Miracle Theatre, this four-part series takes listeners on a journey from the Cornish coast to the rugged shores of Scotland. Featuring interviews with young fishers, from seasoned skippers in their twenties to teenage enthusiasts just starting out, the podcast offers a unique glimpse into the challenges and rewards of a life at sea.

A Voice for the Future of Fishing

One of the series' highlights is 13-year-old Antony Newcombe from Cawsand, Cornwall. Despite his young age, Antony has already built a loyal customer base for his freshly caught lobster and crab, and has even garnered a following online. His story, along with those of other young fishers like Jonny Pascoe from Mullion Cove, showcases the passion and dedication of the next generation.

Jonny, who sees fishing as a "universal language," emphasizes the shared experiences and challenges faced by fishers across different regions. He explains, "It's great to see people interested in what young fishermen are doing around the UK. It's a chance for us to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other."

A Scottish Perspective

The podcast also features voices from Scotland, including Tom Robertson, a skipper from Lerwick, Shetland, and Erin MacKenzie from Mallaig. These young fishers share their own unique perspectives on the industry, highlighting the hard work, dedication, and sense of community that define their lives.

Producer Hannah Stephens believes that the series showcases a youthful drive to overcome the challenges of fishing and promote the positive and profitable aspects of the industry. She says, "We wanted to highlight the passion and energy of these young fishers and inspire others to consider a career in the industry."

Hannah added: “From Newlyn to Shetland, everyone’s story and route into fishing is different but there is this united resilience and determination that resonates in all the young people we had the privilege of meeting. Making this series has been totally inspiring.” 

Encouraging the Next Generation

Matilda Phillips, a Cornish fishing family member and coordinator of the Young Fishermen Network, is committed to promoting fishing and attracting new recruits. She sees the podcast as a valuable tool for inspiring young people to explore the opportunities available in the industry.

"A major goal of the network is to recruit more young people to fishing," says Matilda. "We want to shine a positive light on the industry and show people how much fun it can be."

Listen to the Podcast

The Young Fishers podcast is set to launch on November 29th at a special event hosted by Miracle Theatre and the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation’s Young Fishermen Network.

Young Fishermans Network are on Instagram.

Please join us for a panel discussion hosted by Miracle Theatre and the Young Fishermen Network, where we will hear from the Young Fishers Podcast speakers, followed by networking and nibbles!

Book your place (it's free!) at the event here

Fri 29 Nov 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Fisherman's Arms, Newlyn, TR18 5JR

Taking part in the Young Fishers podcasts are: Cornish Fishers: Antony Newcombe (Cawsand), Jack Kelly-Granger (West Cornwall), Tom Lambourn (Newlyn), Jack West (Mevagissey), Jonny Pascoe (Mullion). Scottish Fishers: Ross Davidson (Lossiemouth), Erin MacKenzie (Mallaig), Tom Robertson (Lerwick, Shetland)

A Silent Mountain and an Azores yellow-legged gull, just a normal Saturday in Newlyn

Captured in flight and a long way from home, an Azores yellow-legged gull by Deena Sharp...

good to see the gigs putting in the arm work...

on an exceptionally big tide day...

which saw several of the netters drying out alongside the Mary Williams pier - another reason why Newlyn needs to expand into the deeper water a harbour extension from Sandy Cove would bring if the harbour is going to have a future providing a safe haven for modern boats...

 a long steam to Porthcurno and back was worth the effort...

 for Will, the youngest mackerel man in the port.

Newlyn community news! Bringing the Old Harbour back into use.

You may have noticed significant work underway at Newlyn's Old Harbour. This essential groundwork is paving the way for an exciting community project to revitalize one of the UK's oldest documented fishing harbours.

By restoring this historic site, we aim to:

• Preserve our maritime heritage: 
• Create a vibrant community hub: 
• Support sustainable livelihoods:

For centuries, Newlyn's Old Harbour has been the beating heart of the village. However, in recent decades, the increasing demands on the main working harbour have led to a decline in the Old Harbour's maintenance.

Recognizing its historical significance, Historic England conducted a comprehensive assessment in 2023, highlighting the importance of the listed buildings within the area. Thanks to this assessment and a detailed Statement Heritage, we've secured listed building consent and joint funding from Penzance Town Council and NPHC.

Our Vision: A Thriving Maritime Hub

We envision the Old Harbour as a vibrant hub of maritime activity, where traditional luggers are once again berthed and sail from the quayside. By restoring these historic structures, we aim to:

• Preserve our rich maritime heritage: Honour our past and inspire future generations.
• Create a thriving community space: Provide a place for locals and visitors to gather, learn, and enjoy the benefits of the coast.
• Support sustainable livelihoods: Foster a new generation of skilled boatbuilders and sailors.

How You Can Help

We invite you to join us in this exciting endeavor. Your support, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, can help us achieve our goals.

Together, let's restore Newlyn's Old Harbour and create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Project Lead: West Cornwall Lugger Industry Trust Ltd

Old Harbour Owners: Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commission 

Project Finance: WCLIT with Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commission

Full-on #FishyFriday market in Newlyn.

Tom busy keeping an eye on those still at sea...

on yet another dull, grey but relatively mild FishyFriday morning...

someone is fussy about what they eat it seems...

all three bays full of fish for the final market of the week...

with a good mix of fish and shellfish up for auction...

plenty of ray wings from Tom...

and some big squid...

looks like it's been a long night for some...

the beam trawlers, Billy Rowney...

and St Georges...

both landed some cracking red mullet, which, if you shop in Sicily are also known as goat fish, there are some who may well consider red mullet to be the greatest of all time but either way...

both these simple recipes bring out the best in this knock-out fish...

as ever, there were plenty of monk tails to be had...

and, as expected at this time, of year some good shots of squid and cuttles...

these spiky guys are becoming a regular feature of landings from some inshore boats...

cuttlefish have two very handy appendages for catching and hanging on to their supper...

young Cod had a few bass...

and his best pal had a few more...

this year the Mediterranean octopus invasion didn't happen, which for some was a bit of a disaster...

a box of wrigglers...

and tubs, another great eating red fish...

end-to-end stuff this week...

listening to BBC Spotlight earlier this week there was some remarkably ill-informed reporting with one speaker quite wrongly attributing half the white fish landings in Newlyn to scallop trawlers - even more remarkable when you think that Newlyn does not have any resident scallop boats and relies on landings from a fleet of small, and the occasional big, visiting boats in the summer months - the half a dozen boxes in this shot represent a typical landing from a beam trawler after a week at sea - it's telling when false information is used to provide the basis for the narrative...

while there are plenty more than 100 cod in the North Sea, the Western Approaches are almost devoid of cod these days, most likely attributable to the warmer water of the North East Atlantic we are experiencing these days, cod being a cold water loving fish...

good to sea monk heads being used for bait these days...

landing time for the Orion...

someone is hoping for breakfast to be thrown his way...

that's a mighty small trimaran for this time of year...

that's not a bow to argue with...

a brace of beamers home for the weekend..

there's some good crawfish trade at the moment.