Final #FishyFriday for March in Newlyn.

Fishing IS Freedom - sign up for the Commercial Fishing Taster course in Newlyn and find out more...

local plein air painter, Clare catching some contre-jour action in the early hours...

he just can't stay away...

quite a busy market for a #FishyFriday and the promise of really busy one on Monday...

just the one cod again...

good tyo see the handliners in action...

scad, one of the five named fosh in the South West Pelagic Fish FMP...

good selection of flats from the beamer...

pollack landings continue despite the 'total ban', which, ironically, affected the only boat in the harbour to target pollack 100% using hook and line - you couldn't make it up!...

quality tubs...

box of black bream to keep some restaurants happy...

a brace of John Dory for the Scotsman...

while tyhe beamer landed Dovers...

megrim...

and turbot...

the netters like the Ajax came in with good shots of hake...

just look at the quality of those blood-red gills...

another old-timer putting his back into it...

oops...

the Stelissa also found hake...

no boat seems to escape finding dogs on the grounds...

out the door they go...

all smiles despite the triple shift!..

no stone left unturned...

work on the Fishing Resource Centre is now well underway...

yet more pots...

a bevvy of visiting beamers from Brixham...

someone must have cleaned out the seat lockers...

Newlyn stands with Ukraine.

Start your fishing journey NOW!🎣 = Commerfcial Fishing taster day!

Start your fishing journey NOW!

 

Tuesday 8th April 10AM @ Seafood Cornwall Training Hub, Newlyn


Get a taste for fishing this Easter holidays with a chance to sign up to courses; some fully funded! 

Fishing Quota Negotiations: A Stormy Sea for the UK Fleet?

A recent UK parliamentary debate (March 26, 2025) has cast a spotlight on the turbulent waters surrounding fishing quota negotiations and their impact on the UK fishing fleet. The debate, available on Hansard, reveals a complex interplay of economic, environmental, and political factors that are shaping the future of this vital industry.

The Contentious Quota

At the heart of the issue lies the allocation of fishing quotas, which dictate the amount of fish UK vessels are allowed to catch. The debate reveals concerns that these negotiations are not delivering optimal outcomes for UK fishers. MPs like Andrew George have voiced strong concerns about the impact of quota negotiations on the prospects for the industry.

Science vs. Reality

One recurring theme is the tension between scientific advice and the lived experience of fishermen. George highlights the discrepancy between the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advice on pollack stocks and the abundance of pollack reported by fishermen. This raises questions about the accuracy and timeliness of scientific data in informing quota decisions. The Minister of Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner, acknowledged the issue, stating that “we still have the global challenge of maintaining our fish stocks”.

Fishing as a Bargaining Chip

A particularly contentious issue is the potential use of fishing rights as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the EU. MPs across the political spectrum expressed alarm at reports suggesting that access to the EU’s defense fund might be linked to the UK’s stance on fishing. The debate reiterated the importance of food security as national security, with MPs urging the government to resist any attempts to trade fishing interests for political gain.

The Shadow of Brexit

The legacy of Brexit continues to loom large over the fishing debate. Some MPs argue that leaving the EU has created opportunities for the UK fishing industry, while others, like Andrew George, contend that the overall impact has been negative, particularly for exporters. The terms of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) with the EU, and its implications for access to fishing waters, remain a point of contention.

Looking Ahead

The debate also explored potential solutions and future directions for the fishing industry. These included:

• Multi-annual quotas to provide greater stability for the industry.
• Improved data collection and scientific advice.
• Support for small-scale, low-impact fishing.
• Addressing the impact of “spatial squeeze” from offshore development.

The Hansard record of the debate provides valuable insight into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing the UK fishing industry. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit relationship with the EU and seeks to balance economic and environmental priorities, the discussions in Parliament will continue to shape the future of this vital sector.