march update
National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations
Mike Roach will be in Plymouth on Wednesday 26th of March. He and I will be in Lockyers Quay from 1530-1700. If you would like to know more about what the NFFO do and how they can help you please drop in and say Hi. If you want to speak to Mike separate from this his contacts are as follows - Tel: +44 (0)1904 635430 Mob: +44 (0)7884 185444 Email: Mike.Roach@nffo.org.uk. I think there is value in joining the NFFO and one possibility is that the PFSA charges a membership fee and then joins the NFFO on behalf of all members. Alternatively, you can join individually.
Fisheries Resource Education Program – Plymouth Thursday 27-Friday 28th March
Spaces still available. Come join us to share you fishing knowledge with managers and scientists, to discuss and learn more about how fishermen can be involved in fisheries science and management. Particular focus on Pollack and Bass fisheries. https://www.fishingporthole.co.uk/f-rep/
Inshore and Small-Scale Fisheries
I have been working with a group of organisations to raise the profile of inshore and small-scale fisheries in an attempt to get better recognition and consideration for this fisheries in policy and management decisions. An event is being held this Monday 17th of March in Parliament to showcase the work to date. I will be meeting MPs and discussing issues such as Pollack, Small-Eye Ray and the need for support in Plymouth regarding the market.
I have also been exploring the formation of a network for inshore fisherman’s organisations with the same purpose, to try to give a greater more impactful voice to fishermen not part of a Producer Organisation. So far the ‘network’ is being developed and formed from:
REAF (the Renaissance of East Anglian Fisheries)
South Coast Fishermen’s Council
North Devon Fishermen’s Association
Newhaven CIC
Poole FA
Keyhaven FA
Morcambe FA
If you would like to know more about this and want to be involved pleas say.
FMPs
Celtic Sea and Western Channel Demersal.
The MMO are holding port visits to discuss their draft policy plan for this FMP. They will be in Plymouth on Friday 28th March at Waypoint Bar, in the morning (no exact time yet given I assume 0900-1200)
Plaice – concern re decline in the stock, MMO looking for suggestions as to how to prevent decline. Noting that the 7d/e quote has not been split and there are some genetic studies. Suggestions from the MMO include increase in MCRS and / increase in mesh size. Concern that it will choke the sole fishery.
Bass
I have been attending a working group to discuss the bass authorisation system. So far the following suggestions have been made by the group:
The track record process should be considered for improvement
An alternative system should seek to maintain access to those currently authorised and identify new opportunities for people without authorisations (e.g. new entrants) subject to capacity and sustainability limits
It was also recommended that analysis of landing and authorisations data would be required before any future decision on fishing capacity and therefore fishing opportunity could be made.
To provide some limited flexibility in engine power and tonnage restrictions when authorisations are transferred between vessels.
Consider a young person/new fisher’s scheme
Consider allowing alternative gear trials
It is worth noting that the MMO are clear that recommendations made through this review process do not reflect a final decision.
Plymouth Market
There is an update on this coming very soon.