Tag Archives: UK
Celebrating 200 Years of Lifesaving: Torbay Hosts RNLI Anniversary Events
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is set to mark its 200-year journey from 1824 to 2024, with a series of celebratory events in Torbay over the year, starting with two on Sunday, March 3rd and Monday, March 4th. These two events, organized by RNLI Torbay and led by Simon James, will kick off a year of activities which will be a testament to the dedication and bravery of the RNLI’s volunteer crews throughout its rich history. On Sunday, an historic ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ will unfold featuring all RNLI lifeboats from the South Devon coast, from Exmouth to Salcombe. The lifeboats will gather in the Bay before embarking in convoy along the Breakwater to Torbay RNLI’s berth where a special blessing ceremony will be conducted by the Fishermen’s Mission Area Officer for Devon, Helen Lovell-Smith, Helen said, Photos, more, >>click to read<< 11:48
The sad demise of the Hastings fishing fleet
RX 53 Dorothy Melinda
Here local historian, and author of the book Fishermen of Hastings, Steve Peak looks at how our fishing fleet has declined in recent decades. He writes: Hastings Council’s plan to scrap the fishing boat Dorothy Melinda RX 53, which has been standing outside the railway station for many years, highlights the fact that there is now only one wooden decked fishing boat working off Hastings beach. This last survivor of many centuries of local history is the 29 feet long Felicity RX 58, owned by the Edmunds family. She was built in 1980 as the Our Pam and Peter for Denis Barton. On the beach there is one other possibly seaworthy decked boat, formerly called the Flying Fish RX 73. But she is now unmarked and has not been on the water for many years. On her stade is an open (ie, undecked) wooden boat, Bloodaxe RX 37, which has also been laid up for a long time. Video, photos, more, >>click to read<<15:54
Cornwall revealed as UK’s flagship for seafood economy
New figures have revealed Cornwall is home to more seafood restaurants than anywhere else in the country outside of London. According to an independent research report titled the True Value of Seafood to Cornwall, 16% of Cornwall’s table-service restaurants, not including fish and chip shops, specialise in seafood, which is the highest concentration in the UK outside the capital. Around 8,000 people in Cornwall work in seafood, according to the report, which means for every Cornish fisherman at sea there are 15 more jobs on shore, five of those are also linked to tourism. more, >>click to read<< 07:33
Fishing vessel left to rot in Cornwall harbour at centre of debate
A fishing boat that has used a Cornish harbour for more than 20 years and been left to rot was at the centre of a debate around abandoned vessels. Cornwall Council said it was seeking to remove “live-aboard” vessel Karina Olsen from Penzance Harbour. It said the vessel was among a number of abandoned boats which need to be sold or demolished in Cornish ports. Maritime manager Chris Jones disputed one councillor’s claim they were “powerless” to pursue boat owners. more, >>click to read<< 09:22
Tories claim bigger earnings add up to Brexit boost for Scottish fishing
Scottish fishers are reaping the rewards of a Brexit boost to the value of their catches, the Tories have claimed. However, the Scottish Government insists the industry is worse off overall. Figures obtained from the government show a 27.4% boost to sales income for larger vessels – those 79ft and up – in the three years to 2022. These boats netted fish and other seafood worth a total of £3.5 million in 2022. This is compared with landings valued at £3m in 2021 and £2.8m in 2019. Crews on these vessels saw their average monthly sales incomes increase from £22,000 to £31,000. more, >>click to read<< 06:39
New Ring Netter Joins Newlyn Fleet
Built by G Smyth Boats in Kilkeel, new ring netter Inter-Nos PZ-46 made its delivery trip home to Newlyn to dock in its home port before Christmas. The Maxus Fast Cat has been designed and outfitted to fish for pilchards and is powered by a pair of Volvo Penta D8A5-A-MH main engines. The deck is laid out with a Spencer Carter 3000lb slave hauler with a MV500 motor and a Thistle Lift crane with a telescopic extension. more, >>click to read<< 08:31
CHRISTMAS CRACKER CREWS
Christmas was a time of conflict within Hull’s trawling industry. The clash was between love and money. Trawlermen loved to be at home over the festive season, living it up with their family and friends. The trawler owners, however, wanted their vessels at sea in order to land fish on the market for early January. The price of fish was always extremely high around 1 January, because all Scottish fishing ports were closed for the Hogmanay celebrations north of the border. The ships’ runners bore the brunt of this conflict of interests. They were employed to crew the ships (each firm had its own runner). It was a difficult job at the best of times, but especially during the run-up to Christmas. They did their job by fair means or foul. Different strategies were used to get the ships away. One was to sign men who had been on a ‘walkabout’ or were ‘blackballed’. A man who had been disciplined by the owners would be keen to ‘get shipped up’ and work his way back into the industry. Christmas was his best chance. Another devious method, when scraping the bottom of the barrel,,, photos, more, >>click to read<< 15:18
Denmark pays out Brexit compensation
Compensation totaling DKK1.2 billion has been paid out to Danish fishing operators to mitigate the adverse effects of Brexit on the country’s fishing industry, including the loss of access to UK waters. The full payments have now been made within the EU deadline of 31st December 2023. Funding comes from the EU Brexit Reserve, of which the Danish share was roughly DKK2 billion. Of this, approximately DKK1272 million was allocated to the fishing sector and the local areas. The funds were distributed to different parts of the sector by political agreement between all Parliamentary parties in December 2021. more, >>click to read<< 09:38
Fish about to be plundered off coast of UK as EU about to strike major deal with Iceland
A non-EU country may soon be allowed to fish in waters just miles away from UK shores thanks to the European Union, sparking fury among fishermen closer to home. Fishing officials in Ireland are worried that they have not been consulted on the negotiations, which could be nearing the final stages of approval. Iceland reportedly wants to strike a deal so that they can catch blue whiting which are common in Irish waters but cannot be found near the Nordic nation. Concerns are now growing that fishing will become unsustainable as Irish fishermen worry for their livelihoods. CEO of the Irish Fish Processors Organisation Aodh O’Donnell told GB News: “We fear that this give away of more foreign access to Irish waters is being agreed behind closed doors. There is a lack of clarity and Christmas is upon us, and we are very concerned. more, >>click to read<< 14:26
Suffolk farming family decide to sell ‘beloved’ farmhouse to fund fishing fleet
In October, the Simper family put their 110-acre asparagus farm with stunning views of the River Deben at Ramsholt, near Woodbridge, on the market through agents Landbridge. But they were originally planning to retain their farmhouse at Lodge Farm with about 38 acres of farmland and woodland – including a 10-acre asparagus field. The family has always combined farming with sailing and fishing, but Harry Simper – the youngest generation – elected early on to devote himself fully to a fishing career. He began it 12 years ago at the age of 16 and by 2019 the venture had grown to a fleet of four small commercial fishing boats. photos, more, >>click to read<< 06:38
Pollack fishing: Setting quota to zero ‘damaging’ to South-West industry
A decision to set the pollack catch quota to zero will be “damaging” to the fishing industry, those working in South-West England have said. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said the quota had been reduced to preserve stocks. It said it recognised the “impact” the decision “may have” and was working to “explore potential mitigations”. Ben George, who fishes from Sennen Cove in Cornwall, said he never once “dreamed it could be a total ban”. “It’s particularly damaging for the small inshore fisherman, because they can’t diversify easily now to anything else,” he said. more, >>click to read<< 06:19
UK secures £970million fishing stock with EU in deal ‘better than if we were in the bloc’
A new set of agreements between Norway and the UK opens up an estimated €1billion in fishing opportunities for the EU country, the European Commission has said. The UK meanwhile has secured an estimated £970million in the deal. It comes after years of haggling over post-Brexit fishing arrangements which have left hundreds of UK fishermen “betrayed” – but the Government says the new deal for 2024 provides more for UK fishermen than it would have done were we still in the bloc. Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said: “These significant deals give UK fishermen access to important fish stocks worth £970million and take advantage of our position outside the EU to independently negotiate in our fishing fleets best interest. more, >>click to read<< 08:32
Fishing deals said to have netted £393 million for Scots’ fleet
A trilateral agreement between the UK, European Union and Norway covers the total allowable catch (TAC) limits and management measures for jointly managed stocks in the Nort Sea. It has delivered quota increases for all six stocks – cod, haddock, whiting, plaice, saithe and herring. These are said to be worth an estimated £199m for Scots’ fishers, an increase of £68m compared to 2023 quotas. The government said this deal reflected positive advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, an influential group of marine scientists. It has delivered quota increases for all six stocks – cod, haddock, whiting, plaice, saithe and herring. Photos, more, >>click to read<< 14::56
Boat engineer, 20, died after toxic spray release
A dense white cloud of spray was released from the fire-extinguishing system
A 20-year-old apprentice engineer died after inhaling toxic fire extinguisher spray in the engine room of a fishing boat in Cornwall, an investigation has found. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said Conor Moseley was on board as the fire-extinguishing system was being installed on the Resurgam, a scallop dredger, in Newlyn Harbour. The FirePro system was designed to suppress fire, but it also generated a spray which was hazardous to health when inhaled in significant quantities, a MAIB report said. The system was accidentally activated in the engine room as it was being installed. FirePro said it welcomed the MAIB report. more, >>click to read<< 08:36
Jersey fishing community ‘fearful’ over proposed marine plans
Nathalie Porritt and Gabby Mason say they fear for the future of dredging and trawling boats if proposed plans are implemented
Seven fishing boats in Jersey could be out of business “overnight” if a recommended plan is implemented, members of the fishing community say. The draft Marine Spatial Plan was published in October to recommend ways of protecting the island’s marine environment. Changes to the way the fishing industry could work were made in it, including over the use of boats with mobile gear. Deputy Jonathan Renouf said the plan could “help the fishing industry”. Members of the fishing community came together at a public drop-in session on Thursday to voice their issues. Nathalie Porritt, a fishing merchant at Aquamar Fisheries, said the proposed areas would particularly affect the scallop industry. >>click to read<< 09:49
New tech designed with Cornish fishermen to transform bycatch monitoring
An innovative new tool being developed with fishermen in Cornwall aims to radically transform how by-catch is documented on board fishing vessels and, ultimately, prevent it happening. In a UK-first, Insight360 combines voice recognition and video information to deliver real-time insight and create a 360-degree view of what’s happening at sea during a by-catch event, that continuously improves over time. Refined with fishermen, the technology removes the need to manually review and add notes to footage, offering instead a way for skippers and crews to train a monitoring system to automatically recognise and record bycatch events as they happen. >>click to read<< 08:19
Cornish fishermen lead on national policy change
Two years ago, the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation went above national regulation and pioneered a voluntary measure to protect crawfish stocks. Since then, Cornish fishermen have been calling for the government to bring in a higher minimum size for catching crawfish as national policy. Earlier this week, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) revealed their decision to introduce the measure. Aiden Mcclary, 23-year-old fisherman from St Ives, doesn’t mind taking the economic hit if it sustains the stock of Crawfish He said: “We don’t want history repeating itself. Years ago, back when my dad was fishing, there was a massive crawfish stock but it was wiped out because of a lack of management in place. >>click to read<< 09:55
Fife fish merchant warns ‘I’ve never seen anything like this’ after Storm Babet wrecks industry
The seafood industry in Fife has experienced a “catastrophe” over the last few weeks, thanks to the lingering effects of Storm Babet. Small boats have been unable to head out for shellfish. “The larger boats further up North [in Peterhead] are still able to get out, but around here, the smaller boats haven’t been able to get out. “While those that have managed to make it out have brought back dead prawns. Fish merchant, Billy Hughes, of Pittenweem, said the situation is “worrying”. Tommy Gordon, skipper on the prawn trawler “Twa Gordon’” said he has seen “plenty catasrophes” following on from Storm Babet. He was unable to get out on his boat for three weeks thanks to the stormy weather. >>click to read<< 06:21
Incredible herring haul means viable Isle of Man fishery ‘could be a reality’ for the first time in 25 years
Local fishermen have successfully caught the allocated 100 tonne quota of herring in Manx waters within weeks of receiving Government support to diversify. Three local crews took advantage of the financial support provided by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture following new UK quotas earlier this year. Clare Barber Mallocated 100 tonne quotaHK, Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister said: ‘It’s been a real success story.’ The recent catch has led to great optimism across the industry that a commercially viable Manx fishery could be a reality for the first time in 25 years – especially as the quota could quadruple by 2026. >>click to read<< 14:28
Suffolk farmers plan major expansion of fishing venture
The Suffolk farmers – based at Ramsholt – has been farming for 10 generations. But when Harry Simper – now aged 28 – left school his heart was set on a life at sea. As they live on the banks of the River Deben, the Simpers, of Lodge Farm, have always combined their farming life with sailing and fishing. As they live on the banks of the River Deben, the Simpers, of Lodge Farm, have always combined their farming life with sailing and fishing. The Simpers run two trawlers and are planning to get larger vessels so they can operate a fleet of three or four within the next couple of years. The Simpers run two trawlers and are planning to get larger vessels so they can operate a fleet of three or four within the next couple of years. Photos, >>click to read<< 07:18
Whalsay scallop fisherman scoops ‘Hero of the Year’ award
A scallop fisherman from Whalsay has been named Hero of the Year at a UK fishing awards ceremony. George Andrew Williamson scooped the award on Thursday night for his work in championing the importance of sustainable seafood. The award, which recognises an outstanding individual who has driven forward further sustainability efforts, was given to Mr Williamson at a ceremony in London. Accepting the award via video link, he said: “It’s a great honour and I was really not expecting this.>>click to read<<,–>and here< 09:04
Could bluefin tuna become Scotland’s new ‘silver darlings’?
For years, Atlantic bluefin tuna were a rare sight in Scottish waters, with their numbers depleted as their prime source of food – herring and mackerel – landed instead on the nation’s dining tables. So, when skipper Angus Campbell’s fishing boat Aqua SY 210 pulled up alongside the quay at Stornoway a few weeks ago, the whopping bluefin tuna his crew had landed – 10ft long and weighing 164kg – strung up for curious locals to see, there was more than a little interest. “It was definitely very exciting,” says Mr Campbell, who has been fishing the waters off the Isle of Harris since he was just 15 years old. It was Scotland’s first commercially caught Atlantic bluefin tuna for decades. >>click to read<< 09:48
Lifeboat crew return after 18-hour call
Stephen Manson described the seas as “brutal” after the lifeboat was called out to aid the Danish trawler Westbank and her three-man crew. The 17m fishing vessel had broken down, and the RNLI crew launched into difficult conditions in the North Sea, heading into the south-easterly gale which has brought chaos across Scotland. “It was brutal, there were big seas, a lot of rolling and things going walkabout on the boat,” Mr Manson said. “We handled it well and it all ran fairly smoothly, but weather was very much a challenge, especially getting there.” >>click to read<< 10:58
Fishing industry roadshow to be held in Milford Haven
Organised by Seafish, the public body that supports the UK seafood industry, the roadshows are free to attend and will offer fishers the chance to discuss the products, services and training available to support their safety, health and wellbeing needs. Amongst those on hand to offer advice will be Seafish plus representatives of its partners including the Welsh Fishing Association and Fishermen’s Mission. Noemi Donigiewicz, Industry Engagement Manager at Seafish said: “We decided to organise these roadshows following discussions between ourselves, the Welsh Fishing Safety Committee, Welsh Fishermen’s Association, Fishermen’s Mission and the Welsh Government. “There was an identified need to discuss the safety and wellbeing of fishers, show them they are supported and demonstrate the assistance and services available to them. >>click to read<< 08:54
Unexpected Drama in Yarmouth as Fishing Boat Seized by Police
In an unexpected turn of events, the quiet harbour of Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, was the scene of a dramatic police operation on Tuesday. Armed officers seized a fishing boat, leaving local residents in shock and curiosity. The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday when a group of armed officers boarded the fishing vessel. The operation, carried out with precision and efficiency, saw the boat swiftly taken under control without any reported injuries or casualties. The boat was then towed to a secure location, hinting at a more in-depth investigation to follow. >>click to read<< 21:31
Cocaine bust trawler remains wedged on sandbank off Wexford coast
Detectives with the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau stated in court that it was their belief that fishing trawler The Castlemore was “attempting a transaction” with the cargo ship the MV Matthew off the Wexford coast at the time it ran aground. Two weeks ago, a major salvage operation was said to have begun to recover the fishing trawler from the sandbank off the Wexford coast, however, it appears that all efforts to date have been unsuccessful and the trawler remains wedged in the sand. Sources suggest that the recovery of the trawler is becoming a bigger and more difficult task with every passing day and some reports even suggest that the vessel may now be buried up to its wheelhouse. >>click to read<< 08:35
Scientific Dispensation Request Granted for King Scallop Fishing Trial off South-East
The UK Marine Management Organosation (MMO) has granted a scientific dispensation to MacDuff Shellfish to carry out a two-day scallop fishing trial off the South East coast of England. The trial will take place before the end of October 2023 and will test the feasibility and potential benefits of shucking scallops at sea. Shucking is the process of removing the scallop meat from the scallop shell. Shucking on board a vessel immediately after catching is not currently permitted under UK law. Regulations require fishers to land whole scallops to enable effective enforcement of scallop minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS). >>click to read<< 08:36
Drug dopes gave bogus ‘fishing trip’ reason to buy €400k cocaine trawler – then beached it after space tech move
The trawler beached off the Wexford coast while on a drugs run was sold to two “foreigners” in Castletownbere for up to €400,000 the day before. The 15-metre Castlemore had been on the market for three years, owned by a member of a prominent fishing family hamstrung by strict EU fishing quotas in the Co Cork harbour town. After a test run, a bill of sale was drawn up and the new owners quickly bought and installed a top-of-the-range Elon Musk SpaceX satellite system before they left Castletownbere. Within hours, the boat left Co Cork purportedly for Devon, but instead it’s believed it headed off to rendezvous with the mother ship laden with over 2.25 tonnes of coke. Photos, >>click to read<< 07:59
Consultation amid low crab and lobster numbers
Members of the fishing industry are being asked for their views to inform a plan to ensure crab and lobster are caught sustainably. It comes amid concerns crab and lobster populations could be “vulnerable” to over-fishing. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is running a public consultation on the issue. The consultation is part of the post-Brexit management of sustainable fishing stocks. Padstow inshore fisherman Johnny Murt said he was concerned about the impact of industrial fishing. He said he welcomed more regulation around lobster and crab fishing in Cornwall. Mr. Murt said inshore fishermen in Padstow had been forced to increase their gear in recent years to catch “an increasingly lower number of lobster and crab”. >>click to read<< 14:50
Trawler that ran aground off Wexford coast in suspected drug smuggling operation was bought days earlier in west Cork
The Castlemore, the 21-year-old twin rigger, had been bought by a local fisherman in Castletownbere in 2017 and used to fish for prawn and white fish off the southwest coast but the owner had been trying to sell the boat for the last two years and on Friday, the boat was purchased by an unknown buyer. The boat left Castletownbere late on Friday night or early Saturday morning and was reported to be headed for Brixham in Devon but local sources in Castletownbere suspect that the vessel headed off to rendezvous with another vessel which had crossed the Atlantic with a consignment of cocaine. The cocaine was then transferred from the boat that had crossed the Atlantic to the Castlemore in what is known as “coopering” so that when the other boat entered port and was checked by customs officials, they would find nothing while the drugs would be brought ashore by the trawler. >>click to read<< 09:14
