Since our last post, a summary report from the Developing Cornwall’s Fisheries- engagement pilot event has been shared with attendees and been published.
The report
The report gives a summary of what was covered at the event. From discussions on complex issues surrounding bass, crab and lobster fisheries management plans (FMP), to exploring more sustainable approaches to demersal fishing, and through to negotiations, potential future funding and fishing priorities in Cornwall.
You can find the report here- Developing Cornwall’s Fisheries – Pilot Engagement Post Event Report - Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation
Reminder: what the event was about
In October 2024, commercial fishing industry representatives and government officials gathered in St Ives for a three-day pilot event aimed to tackle pressing issues and consider solutions in fisheries management in the waters around Cornwall.
This collaborative workshop led jointly by Defra, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO), the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (NFFO), and the UK Association of Fish Producer Organisations (UKAFPO) brought together stakeholders as part of our ongoing work to explore how we best work together to co-design and deliver measures for sustainable fisheries with our stakeholders.
You can read our previous post on the event here: Insights from commercial fishing pilot event in Cornwall
The approach
The pilot event created a space where everyone from policy makers to those working at sea could speak openly about what is, and isn’t, working.
Perhaps most valuable were the face-to-face connections made and breaking down misconceptions between industry and government. Moving forward, the organisers have outlined clear actions with specific timeframes.
What’s next?
A follow-up meeting in April 2025 with attendees will review progress and explain how actions from the event are being taken forward.
One of key actions was a need to clarify roles and responsibilities in FMP governance (or how FMPs are managed and by who) so keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post on this.
Updates on other actions will follow the next meeting, so make sure to subscribe to the FMP blog to get notifications of new posts.
4 comments
Comment by Greg posted on
You didn't invite all stakeholders. Why not?
Comment by Laura posted on
This event was a pilot which was co-organised with industry organisations. It helped the organisers test ways of working in a small environment so that we can adapt the learning to future approaches across sectors.
If you know of any organisations or groups in your sector interested in co-organising similar events, please put us in touch.
Comment by Martin W posted on
"brought together stakeholders as part of our ongoing work to explore how we best work together to co-design and deliver measures for sustainable fisheries with our stakeholders. "
Worth pointing out that this was totally focussed on the Commercial Sector and excluding other valuable stakeholders - will they have a chance to to 'co-design' at a later stage, I wonder, or have the 'measures' mentioned above already been decided?
Comment by Laura posted on
Thanks for your comment, the event was an opportunity to discuss and explore measures, not to make decisions. If you have any specific feedback on the actions in the report, please do let us know by emailing us at FMPs@defra.gov.uk.
Whilst this particular event was for the commercial sector, we will use other meetings and events to consider and feed in the views of different groups, fishers and eNGOs.
Whilst our long-term goal is to become more collaborative, separate discussions will be required to address specific needs and obtain their views on proposals.
If you have any suggestions on what type of events you’d like to see, please contact us using the email address above.