Between 16 and 18 October, a fisheries management engagement pilot event was held in St. Ives, Cornwall. It brought together commercial fishers, regulators and government.
A milestone in fisheries management
The event was the first of its kind, organised in partnership with the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation (CFPO), the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO), the UK Association of Fish Producer Organisations (UKAFPO), the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Defra.
As a pilot, it was a true test of new ways of working, where attendees worked through a number of issues on topics important to Cornwall. These included talking through:
- how we might implement crab and bass management actions in the published fisheries management plans (FMPs)
- priorities for stocks and management in the developing Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal FMP
- how to improve engagement on annual consultations
- priorities for any future funding
- the marine spatial pressures and need for better management of the marine environment.
These formal discussions were supplemented by informal discussions, important for building relationships, and a tour of the fish lofts and harbour.
One of the key successes of the event was the strong level of engagement and energy from all attendees.
This event has reinforced the importance of trust between government, regulators and industry. Many attendees appreciated the opportunity to engage face-to-face, which helped dispel some common misconceptions and allowed for more empathetic conversations.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, all those involved in the organisation of the event are committed to using the discussions to help shape next steps in fisheries management So, we’re already preparing a report from the event, which will be published.
We will consider whether, and how, we might roll this sort of event out, by considering the feedback received. In the meantime, there will be plenty of other opportunities for other stakeholders from all sectors and in other locations to get involved in the future as we develop FMPs.
Find details of the in-person coastal engagement to support the consultation on the next five Defra-led FMPs on Book your place on one of our consultation events – Fisheries Management Plans.
REMINDER – our Joint Fisheries Statement consultation also remains live until 21 November please submit your views here – Joint Fisheries Statement: proposed amendments to Annex A - GOV.UK
13 comments
Comment by Greg posted on
When will there be a similar event for recreational sea angling stakeholders?
Comment by Nicola posted on
Thank you for your interest and for raising this, we are committed to engaging all stakeholders, including those in the recreational sea angling community.
While there are no events specifically planned at this stage, please rest assured that we are listening to your feedback and considering how we can make our engagement more inclusive.
We’ll keep everyone updated on future engagement opportunities- thank you for your patience.
Comment by MichaelB posted on
"Looking ahead, all those involved in the organisation of the event are committed to using the discussions to help shape next steps in fisheries management So, we’re already preparing a report from the event, which will be published. "
I'm assuming the ideas from this meeting will simply be that ideas, and any potential action subject to change following engagement with other stakeholders ?
Comment by Laura posted on
Thank you for your comment. You are correct; the discussions from this event serve as an initial guide to potential next steps but they are not final decisions. The ideas gathered at the event will be considered alongside feedback from other stakeholders
Whilst the report will capture these, any resulting actions will be refined as we continue to engage during the development of FMP’s. Opportunities such as the FMP working groups for Bass and Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal will allow others to feed engage on these proposals.
Comment by Dave posted on
"So, we’re already preparing a report from the event, which will be published".
Hi Laura.
Can you let us know when the report you refer to, (about the ideas discussed at the St.Ives meet), will be published?
Comment by Laura posted on
Thank you for getting in touch. The report is currently being finalised and undergoing the necessary clearances, with publication planned for early in the new year.
Comment by Diarmuid posted on
Listening and doing are two different things!
A commercial event should not have been planned and implemented without having a plan in place for a recreational event.
One of the big criticisms of Defra during the FMP consultation was their apparent commercial bias.
This type of one sided approach highlights Defra need to do better.
Comment by Laura posted on
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate your feedback and want to address your concerns about the perceived bias and approach to engagement.
The pilot was designed to address the immediate needs of the commercial sector and was co-created to cover fisheries management issues in that space.
This pilot was part of the listening phase to ensure we refine our approach for broader and all-inclusive events, and we want to emphasise that this does not reflect a bias towards that sector. We are equally committed to engaging with the recreational sector.
In addition to the pilot event Defra alongside the MMO continue to deliver our regular FMP engagement exercises. This includes FMP working groups and consultation events. We also coordinate a quarterly Recreational Sea Fishing Forum to support the promotion and development of recreational sea fishing. Attendance is open to all recreational angling stakeholders. Please do attend and encourage your colleagues to attend these events and continue to feed into this important work.
Comment by David posted on
Hi.
I understand that it is illegal to target bass with nets and that netters can only land a bycatch of bass. This legislation hasn't been enforced since it was introduced in 2017.
My question is: "When will Defra introduce a % to define bycatch in nets like they have for trawls and seines".
Comment by Laura posted on
As part of the short-term measures laid out in the Bass FMP, a review of the current bass authorisation system for commercial vessels will be carried out within two years of the FMP’s publication. This will initially be addressed by an MMO led group working alongside the Bass Management Group. The group is still in formation but will include regulators and sector representatives.
The group will review the current authorisation system and assess its suitability and sustainability. From there they will recommend relevant changes to current regulations for future consideration. Issues such as catch composition and percentage bycatch of bass will be encompassed in these discussions.
We will continue to provide updates on the Bass Management Group and FMP progress on our blog. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest information.
Comment by David posted on
Thanks for getting back Laura. You state "The group will review the current authorisation system and assess its suitability and sustainability. From there they will recommend relevant changes to current regulations for future consideration. Issues such as catch composition and percentage bycatch of bass will be encompassed in these discussions".
Can you give us some idea of the timescale to do this - its been 8 years so far with no definition of bycatch which has rendered the legislation unenforceable.
Comment by Nicola posted on
Hi David, as set out in the Bass FMP, a review of the current Bass authorisation system is highlighted as a short-term action, to be carried out within two years of the FMP’s publication.
Comment by David posted on
Thanks Nicola.