Member Meeting 18th December – summary.
Dear all, here is a summary of what was discussed at our members meeting on Monday 18th December.
Fish Heros - Schools
We are looking to get 5 fishermen or merchants associated with local schools to help teach some GCSE classes. They will provide an introduction to the industry and teach fishmongery.
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to two 2-hour classes a year. The intention is to get funding for this and to pay the fishermen/merchant for their time.
Fish Heros - Angling Sessions
We have been running shore angling sessions with the community. And are looking for volunteers to continue this.
We are hoping to get this funded and pay you for your time. You would have to be willing to train as an angling coach and get a DBS check
Seafood Plymouth
We are promoting local seafood by creating a Seafood Plymouth logo for use in restaurants and merchants. The logo will have a QR code linked to a video showcasing our local fisheries.
We need video footage from fishermen at sea. Can you take some video while you are fishing for us? As high resolution as possible on an iPhone “settings – camera – record video – 4k at 60fps”.
Plymouth Fish Finger
We are working with a project called FoodSEqual, Plymouth University and Sole of Discretion to develop a local fish finger with children from Sir John Hunt School for use in their canteen.
Pollack
There has been a lot of discussion and worry regarding the implementation of pollack as a by-catch only stock. I have discussed this at length with Defra and have met with Minister Spencer. There is little they can do to help beyond suggesting diversification with support from FASS grants. I am pushing for a face-to-face meeting between fishermen and Defra for the industry to discuss and plan for managing the stock and collecting data going forward.
Bluefin
Members are asking for support to access licences for the potential fishery in 2024. I have had brief initial conversations with Defra and will help as much as I can.