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SkippLEADING JOURNAL OF THE IRISH & UK INDUSTRIES JUNEer 2020 €3.50/£3.00 AN INDUSTRY ABANDONED Fishing industry unites in criticism of Minister’s Tie-up Scheme. See pages 2-3

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SKIPPER AND CREW OF THE ASTHORE ON THE QUAY IN NEWLYN TAKING OFF THE NET FOR REPAIR AFTER A LONG NIGHT FISHING SARDINES. IMAGE: LARRY HARTWELL

TIE-UP SCHEME JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 TIE-UP SCHEME News 3 SkipperThe SERVING THE IRISH & UK An industry abandoned unites FISHING INDUSTRIES “Agriculture Minister Michael Creed was designed to fail, he said. By Lia ní Aodha MCM Insurance Brokers Limited - and his officials have effectively turned He said the industry had proposed their back on the sector,” said the Irish a scheme based on one of the Specialist broker to the Irish fishing sector. t the beginning of last month, Fish Producers’ Organisation (IFPO), templates used in other Member EDITOR: Lia ní Aodha after weeks of heel-dragging the Irish South and East Fish Producers’ States, namely the French model – [email protected] on the issue, the Minister for Organisation (ISEFPO), the Irish South which, he says, would have allowed Mob: 086 823 9608 A Agriculture Food and the Marine, and West Fish Producers’ Organisation strategic management of fisheries, Michael Creed, T.D. announced a (ISWFPO) and Killybegs Fishermen’s matching effort to market demand, with temporary voluntary tie-up scheme for Organisation (KFO). continuity of supply in the food sector. the Irish fleet. The announced scheme, said KFO Conversely, he says, “what Idle pots. Image: Cathal Ó hUallacháin SALES: Sharon Boyle Under the scheme, which will Chief Executive Seán O’Donoghue, “is the Minister has offered will be [email protected] be implemented under Ireland’s completely unfit for purpose.” counterproductive, resulting in a Tel: 074 95 480 37 European Maritime and Fisheries “Instead of achieving the key situation which will encourage vessels of doing that. Under the scheme, as satisfy available markets,” he says. Mob: 086 840 1250 Fund Operational Programme objective of matching current supply to continue fishing, using up valuable currently devised, vessels between 8 “It would be a positive sign if the Contact our experts: (EMFF) 2014-20 (unspent funds still and demand, the scheme will do the stocks while demand is at ‘rock bottom’ and 12 metres are being offered support take-up of this supplementary scheme Ballina office on - 096 72977 PRODUCTION /DESIGN: unknown), vessels would be supported reverse with very little voluntary uptake resulting in uneconomic returns for payment over a 1 month tie-up period is low and that the safety net provided Declan McGrath MCM Insurance Brokers Ltd. are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland [email protected] to voluntarily tie up for one or two as almost all vessels will continue those engaged in fishing.” of between €750-800 euro (see table). through the scheme is used only by MANAGING DIRECTOR: of the next three months, operational to fish thus making an already over “This is also contrary to good “As most boats will not be able to the minimum number of vessels that Hugh Bonner from June 1st, even though EU rules supplied market worse. planning and conservation of afford to tie up, they will have no option make a decision that it is not in their [email protected] allow for the payment of retrospective “Crucially, not one single cent of resources,” he said. but to fish even if solely to try and meet economic interest to put to sea. To assist SUBSCRIPTIONS: compensation since many vessels have new financial support is being made Echoing much of the above, the fixed costs. This will include some the continuation of fishing activity over [email protected] been tied up with months already. available to the industry. We have met IFPO’s CEO, John Ward highlighted, vessels that are already tied up. Fishing the coming period, generous vessel Tel: 074 95 62828 On announcing the scheme Minister with the Minister and his officials and “Despite the fact that we have seen effort is likely to increase which will quota allocations are being made for the PRINTED BY: Creed said it would “support the fixed set out clearly what we need to survive the prices for the main species landed only destabilise markets further and month of June.” WG Baird, Antrim, N.I. www.wgbaird.com costs incurred by owners of fishing this pandemic,” he said. by Irish vessels to have fallen by 50 to lead to lower prices or complete market Suit the market to the fish, not the vessels while tied up.” “Like many others, fishermen are 70% in the interim and many vessels collapse,” they say. fish to the market...? According to Bord

CONTRIBUTORS: “The supports to fixed costs will struggling desperately, in the new have been forced to tie up since mid- According to a statement from the Bia’s May 12th Market Insights report C Fish specialises in converting fish by-products Lorna Siggins range from €6,000 per month for a ‘normal’ that we find ourselves in. March, the Department is only looking Minister in response to criticism from into COVID-19’s impact on trade, into pet food ingredients and bait Niall Duffy Craig Taylor, maximum of two months for the very Demand has fallen to such an extent a tie-up commencing from June 1st.” the industry, the supports on offer under Ireland’s whitefish sector continues Dick James, largest vessels over 24 metres, to €500 that some fishermen are actually Outlining that one of the main the scheme “are in line with the fixed to experience “challenging market Fresh & Frozen Fishing Baits for the Commercial & Gudjon Eirnarsson, per month for a maximum of two receiving no bids for the fish that they objections to the Minister’s tie-up costs reported by industry in the EU conditions.” With reports of large Angling Fisherman. Weekly Deliveries Nationwide Shetland News months for the very smallest vessels have risked life and limb, to catch.” scheme is with the length of the data collection exercise operated by volumes of stock in cold storage and under 6 metres in length,” he said. In contrast to the Minister’s scheme, scheme, he said, the scheme “will BIM.” continued low market demand, the ENQUIRES WELCOME FROM THE UK Available to 66% of the fleet, in the four POs had put forward a not have the desired effect of enticing Speaking to The Skipper, a situation regarding the frozen at sea different size categories, in any one joint position on what they consider vessels that have already been tied spokesperson for the National Inshore prawn sector “continues to be very Charlie Vial, Main St, Dunkineely, Co. Donegal, Ireland month, the scheme will operate over necessary to achieve a “workable and up for two months to consider the Fisheries Forum (NIFF) said a concerning,” it says. Tel: 074 9737254 Mob: 087 2548208 Published monthly by Mara Media, June, July and August, to coincide with effective temporary tie-up scheme that scheme.” proposal submitted by the NIFF to Though, according to the Minister, Email: [email protected] Web: www.cfish.ie Annagry, Co Donegal. “monthly fisheries quota management would try to match supply to demand.” “The tiered allocations outlined the Department on a tie-up scheme most Irish offshore fishing vessels www.maramedia.ie periods, in order to adjust the supply of Two key elements of their proposal are totally inadequate,” said Mr Ward, provided detailed analysis based on have continued fishing, the NIFF fish coming onto a currently depressed were an initial three months scheme stating that fishermen and women real figures from fishing businesses spokesperson highlights the majority market and protect quota availability for themselves of the type of costs a In the compilation of The Skipper, every care starting on April 1st with a review at “need an income and they need it now.” of the inshore fleet tied up in March ATLANTIC MARINE SUPPLIES LTD is taken to ensure accuracy. Where errors or later in the year.” the end of May, and that the financial Similarly, ISWFPO CEO, Patrick scheme needed to cover and the amount because their markets had already been DEPARTMENT OF MARINE APPROVED LIFERAFT SERVICE STATION omissions are brought to the attention of “In these unique and unprecedented support for a temporary tie-up would be Murphy said the Minister’s “botched” of aid that was required. “To give an hit. “Many vessel owners saw that to Foilseachán na Mara Teo., future publications will circumstances, it is useful to give the based on 30% of the full grossings of scheme would not succeed in reducing example of the difference between keep landing shellfish or fish would PRODUCTS SERVICES be amended accordingly. However, Foilseachán fishing fleet another option to help the vessel in the same period last year, the amount of product being placed on the two proposals, in the 8-10m and only cause more damage in the long • na Mara Teo. does not accept liability to any LIFERAFTS • LIFERAFT person for loss or damage arising from anything match supply with demand in the with an appropriate tie-up period of 7 to markets. On account of this, the PO 10-12m categories the government run as the product would only end up in • LIFEJACKETS SERVICING contained in this publication or for any error seafood markets,” said the Minister. 10 days to be further discussed. called on the Minister “to immediately has offered less than half of what the storage.” • RESCUE BOATS • LIFEJACKET or omission in it, even if such loss or damage is The level of supports being offered ISEFPO CEO, Hugo Boyle said that review the scheme.” NIFF proposed was required,” said the “Now a scheme that has been • IMMERSION SUITS SERVICING caused by negligence of Foilseachán na Mara as part of the scheme, which has since despite numerous requests for supports “The entire industry is united in spokesperson. rejected by the entire industry, • PYROTECHNICS • IMMERSION Teo., its servants or agents. Opinions and articles been launched by BIM, have, however, which have been specifically approved our unequivocal rejection of a botched Cork South West Fianna Fáil TD large and small, is being rolled out, featured are not necessarily the opinions of • H.R.U.’S SUIT SERVICING met with sharp criticism from the by the EU Parliament for the sector, and ultimately useless ‘scheme’ which Christopher O’Sullivan says what leaving many questioning if we are Foilseachán na Mara Teo. • BOARDING • HIRE LIFERAFTS industry since announced. the Minister has abandoned the sector the scheme is offering hardworking being listened to at all,” said the does nothing to provide reassurance to LADDERS A joint statement released by the by introducing a totally inadequate fishermen. We’ve been endeavouring fishermen and women per boat “is spokesperson. “The sad part in all this INSIDE THE four Irish fish producer organisations response to the potential collapse of an to try to manage a safe passage through clearly not enough to make an impact.” is that family businesses will go to the (POs) a fortnight after the scheme’s industry. Brexit and its consequences, now we’re “At this stage, survival is all any wall across the entire sector through no Suppliers of full range of approved lifesaving equipment. JUNE ISSUE announcement, said the Minister had Highlighting that any support hit with this,” said KFO Chief Seán fishing business is asking for. The fault of their own because of this. With Service of RFD, DSB, Dunlop - Beaufort, Zodiac and Lifeguard equipment rejected appeals for specific COVID scheme should have a positive effect for O’Donoghue in the joint statement current scheme does not provide a more realistic financial package this P 4 supports from the industry “which is recipients, Mr Boyle said the Minister’s from the POs. industry with any chance of survival,” could be aoided.” Donegal Road, Killybegs, Co. Donegal. fighting for its very survival in the face scheme for the industry falls far short “I’ve never witnessed anger like it in says the NIFF. Calling on the Minister to work with Phone: 074 9731440 Fax: 074 9731699 Concerns Barnier’s of the pandemic.” of that. Indeed, one could question if it the sector and I’d implore the Minister Betraying the Minister’s and his government colleagues to deliver After hours; 074 9731332 Email: [email protected] Stance is Softening to review the scheme, deliver the very Department’s socio-ecological the financial supports needed “to bail basic support that we need to survive. priorities, the statement by the Minister out our coastal fishing communities P 5 We are more than willing to meet says that the Government’s “primary in this unprecedented crisis”, Sinn him halfway and continue to operate, objective” throughout the coronacrisis Féin TD for Donegal Pádraig Mac Irish vessel owners on thereby providing a sustainable and “has been to maintain fishing activity, to Lochlainn says the statements from the Ireland’s tie-up scheme very important food supply.” ensure critical food supply lines to the industry “are a damning indictment of Inshore representatives have also domestic and European markets.” the total inaction of Minister Creed and P 10-11 expressed dismay with the scheme in its “The temporary tie up scheme is this government.” current guise. According to the National simply designed as a safety net scheme The Minister, he says, “has Aquaculture Inshore Fishermen’s Association and to provide a further option to fishermen effectively turned his back” on the Organisation (NIFA & NIFO), it falls who choose not to continue fishing. It entire sector and “knows very well P 24-29 short on several fronts, and suffers is not designed as a replacement for that the temporary tie up scheme he Boats, Gear and from “significant issues” that must be viable fishing activity, wherever those announced will fail as it is too little, addressed if it is to meet its objectives. possibilities exist, ” he says, begging the too late.” Products In a joint submission sent to both question as to what the Minister sees as “This is the latest example of a the Department and BIM, the inshore viable. Minister and a Department that has Marine & General Insurance Brokers. “Insuring Your World Today” representatives say that while the “It is up to the fishing vessel owner not been acting in the best interests of scheme sets out to cover fixed operating to decide whether to tie-up or keep our coastal fishing communities. But costs that apply even when a boat fishing and in line with the Government the stakes are now higher than ever isn’t fishing, most of their members, policy of keeping the food chain and the Minister must change course Tel:+353 (0)74 9177500 Fax:+353 (0)74 9177200 particularly those with boats in the operating. It is, of course, preferable and finally do what is right by this Email: [email protected] Web: www.chd.ie 8-12m categories, say it falls far short that the supply to fish continues to vital sector”. Cavanagh Hooper Dolan Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland 4 News BREXIT JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 COVID-19 News 5

EU Ministers meet Barnier & Commissioner on Brexit negotiations: Irish vessel owners on Ireland’s COVID-19 Tie-up Scheme Concerns among industry Chief Negotiator’s stance is softening ‘It forces us into a race to the bottom’ n May 26th, the Minister objectives and principles set down our fishing position.” as a mechanism via which to scheme, as it stands, will succeed in for Agriculture, Food in the mandate, they said. To date, little progress has been divvy out quota shares in favour By Lia ní Aodha and the Marine, Michael Following the meeting, made in Brexit negotiations on of Zonal Attachment (i.e. based reducing the number of boats fishing O sufficiently to “adjust the supply Creed T.D attended a meeting Minister Creed commented: “I the question of fisheries – an area on the fish in the waters of a with the EU’s chief negotiator very much welcome this detailed of fish coming onto a currently with a timeline aimed at an initial country’s Exclusive Economic survey was conducted by Michael Barnier and Fisheries briefing from Mr Barnier on depressed market” as hoped by the agreement by July 1st, with the Zone) – a move which would The Skipper last month with Commissioner Virginius the current state of play in the Minister, an again very sizeable objective of agreeing quotas for likely see large alterations in Irish vessel owners about the Sinkevicius concerning ongoing fisheries negotiations. The 4th 2021 later this year. quota allocations across European A 93.2% answered no, with just 6.8% recently announced and launched fisheries negotiations with the round of negotiations commence holding a belief that it would. In April, following the second states. tie-up scheme for the Irish fleet. UK, ahead of the fourth round next week and it was very useful Overall, the responses from Irish round of negotiations Barnier Also outlined in the draft Judging by the responses the outlook of talks between the two parties, to hear directly from Mr Barnier fishermen and women indicate the said the UK had “refused to fisheries plan is a desire to for Ireland’s fisherman and women starting June 1st. about the issues arising and the Minster’s scheme—termed an insult, engage seriously on a number negotiate quotas annually, is bleak, and has been made worse During the meeting—which challenges involved. a joke, useless—has done little of fundamental issues”. On the for independent fisheries rather than helped by the scheme, as involved Ministers from Member “I reiterated Ireland’s full more than leave Irish vessel owners “essential topic” of fisheries, he management, the establishment of currently devised. States most impacted by the commitment to the EU negotiating between a rock and a hard place, both said, no progress had been made. a Fisheries Co-operation Forum to Carried out on The Skipper UK’s withdrawal from the EU, mandate and delivering an socially and ecologically. Following the third round of discuss management, monitoring, Facebook page, 103 respondents including Fisheries Ministers outcome that upholds our existing One respondent explained, “We’re negotiations, which concluded control and enforcement, and data answer six questions about the tie-up from France, Germany, Spain, access and quota shares. That losing money at sea and a lot more on May 15th, Barnier signalled sharing between both sides. scheme. In terms of geographical Denmark, Sweden, the Netherland position was also supported by tied up. Plus the market will now be there had been some movement on On the same day as the meeting location, responses were garnered and Belgium—Ministers other Ministers. The work done to overstocked for a long time into the fisheries. “We were also, at last, between Barnier and European from right around that coast and were given an update by Mr date by Mr Barnier and his team future, which will add more burden able to initiate the beginnings of a Ministers, RTÉ reported that “if from owners with vessels ranging Barnier on the state of play in gives confidence that Irish and EU down the road.” dialogue on fisheries, even if our the UK prevails in its ambitions in in size from under 6 metres up to the negotiations of a fisheries fishing interests will be robustly “It would be great for the markets positions remain very far apart,” the Brexit fisheries negotiations” 26.4 metres. 62.4% of those who agreement with the UK after three defended in the negotiations.” and the fishing grounds,” said he said. Ireland’s quotas for some species answered were still at sea, while rounds of discussions have been Contra the Minister’s optimism, another, “if some boats could afford Without an agreement on could see huge cuts – up to 67% 37.6% indicated they were already completed. however, the Irish fishing industry to tie up. But who can at that kind of fisheries, there will be no and 64% respectively for megs tied up. The meeting focused on the has expressed concern about a money?” economic and trade partnership and monk, 48% for cod and Asked whether the scheme would EU negotiating mandate for these potential softening of Barnier’s Giving an insight into just agreement, he said, and asked, haddock, according to an Irish cover their vessel’s fixed costs, as discussions which sets down the stance on fishing in negotiations, how far off meeting most boats’ ”Why would we seek to give government analysis. aimed, if they were to tie-up or had EU position to “uphold existing following reports last month fixed costs the scheme is, another Mending nets on Dinish Island. Image Niall Duffy favourable market access Given the talks looming the already tied up, out of 103 responses reciprocal access conditions, in The Times that, according to highlighted that the majority of conditions to certain British first week of June are the final a massive 98.1% (101 fishermen/ quota shares and traditional senior sources in Brussels, the EU owners have monthly repayments professionals when our European round of talks in the current women) answered no. A tiny 1.9% activity of the Union fleet”. was “ready to back down from its and subscriptions that can’t be similar to that which has been hell with supply, selling our product fishermen would be excluded from negotiations before a ‘high-level answered yes. According to a statement hard line on fishing rights”. cancelled, such as internet, VSAT, implemented in the UK, whereby for nothing.” British waters and risk losing their conference’ to assess progress To those who had not already tied issued by the Department of According to the report, loan repayments etc. vessels are allowed to continue to Highlighting the magnitude of the livelihoods?” ahead of the end-of-year deadline up, we asked whether they planned Agriculture, Food and the the EU’s chief negotiator has “Our own monthly expenses fish. Others emphasised problems crisis now facing Ireland’s fishermen On May 19th, the UK published and a decision is made by both to tie up on the back of the supports Marine, Ministers welcomed Mr struggled to gain “attention” amount to €15,300. This is not with basing a vessel’s costs on a and women one respondent said, the texts of its draft negotiating sides as to whether they will offered by the scheme. 92.1% said Barnier’s strong commitment to from European capitals during including the wages we owe our crew vessel’s length. “Our fishery has never been under documents as a “constructive continue trying to strike a deal, no, they would not be tying up on the the linkage between all the parts the coronavirus crisis on the for the last three trips (the factory has More drew attention to the fact such threat, it’s a total disaster, I contribution to negotiations.” or start prepping once more for a back of the supports of the scheme. of these complex negotiations need to shift from what he has been unable to sell our prawns, so we that far from a reality starting on June honestly don’t know if we will have a Previously, those documents had no-deal… perhaps fishermen on 6 respondents (7.9%) indicated they and specifically the link between conceded is a “maximalist” are unable to pay our crew in full) 1st, as per the Minister’s scheme, crew or a fishery to go back to. If we only been seen by UK and EU both sides are right to be wary. would. the overall economic partnership mandate on fisheries demanded and outstanding supplier debts. some of them already tied to the pier ever needed some more financial aid negotiators. All things considered, a deal on To those who indicated they and the conclusion of a fishing by France, Spain, Belgium and “We are receiving letters wall on account of the virus have it is now.” In terms of fisheries, the fisheries by the end of June looks would not, we asked how far short agreement. the Netherlands. The article cited threatening legal action if we don’t been there since March, and before “The scheme shows the Minister’s draft plan outlines a desire to unlikely. the scheme would leave them All Ministers expressed full a senior European diplomatic pay our outstanding invoices, but we that were tied up for the best part of and Department’s lack of respect replace the Common Fisheries The UK’s draft fisheries considering just the fixed costs confidence in Mr Barnier and source as saying, “We should don’t have the money to pay them, the start of the year on account of or concern for fishermen or their Policy’s much-maligned framework can be accessed at needed to keep the boat afloat his team to defend the essential probably get more realistic about principle of Relative Stability https://bit.ly/2Xaw6xZ hence we have no choice but to storms. families,” said another respondent. while tied up. On a scale of 1 (very chance going fishing and hope we get “I was all for the tie-up but after Given Ireland’s fishing history, far off) to 5 (not very far off), 103 paid something,” said the fisherman, it was announced I had to start perhaps most damning of all one respondents answered on average indicating the level of pressure Irish shooting pots and start earning fisherman said, “I never thought 1.8, indicating the scheme doesn’t vessel owners now find themselves again,” explained one fisherman. “It In my 36 years of fishing that a come close to covering most vessel under. forces us into a race to the bottom,” government could be so ignorant and owner’s fixed costs. 59.2% of Several respondents highlighted said another of the scheme. “I would insulting.” respondents indicated the scheme issues surrounding the duration of the personally prefer that the lobster and The entire debacle, said another, was ‘very far off’ in this regard. scheme, and more called for a partial crab be left in the ocean to breed for “shows our industry is facing a bleak Asked whether they believe the tie-up scheme or a top-up scheme the future,” explained another. “To future if any.” Higher Diploma in Business in AQUABUSINESS Survey Results: Do you believe the scheme, as it stands, will succeed in reducing Have you tied up or are you still fishing? the number of boats fishing sufficiently to “adjust the supply of As a vessel owner, will the scheme cover your fixed fish coming onto a currently depressed market” as hoped by the costs, as aimed, in the event you tie up or have OneOne year year part-time part-time postgraduate postgraduate course Minister? i.e. will it help the recovery of market prices? already tied up? atcourse Wexford at WexfordCampus Campusaimed at aimed fisheries, TIED UP YES 6.8% YES 1.9% aquacultureat fisheries, or aquaculture seafood processing or seafood 37.6% candidatesprocessing via candidates. blended-learning. Apply nownow for for September September 2019. 2020. Contact [email protected] [email protected] www.itcarlow.ie/LLL

Supported by NO 93.2% NO 98.1% FISHING 62.4%

22,500 Malinbeg Slipway Winch 6 News JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 News 7 18,000 Ballyederlan Pier

Carrickarory 45,000 BIM pilots online learning for Skipper Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Creed announces Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine funded Local Authority works 2020 NEWS funded Local Authority worksPort Inver (Aid2020 to Navigation) 12,000

Training Programme funding for 58 Nead na Gé 22,500 Grant Aid Approved in brief County Council Location Entrance to Kincasslagh (Aid to 24,000 Navigation) LÉ CIARA Detains French Local Authority €

Registered Fishing Vessel 37,500 harbour projects Carrigaholt Pier Cruit Lower 22,500

On the night of May 12th, the Donegal Town (Aids to Navigation) 18,000

51,750 French registered fishing vessel Clare Mullinasole 9,000 Cap Finistere was detained Bournapeaka Pier (Ballyvaughan) County Council Total Donegal 433,500 by the Naval vessel LÉ Ciara 48,750 approximately 120 nautical Balbriggan Harbour 67,500 Ballyvaughan Pier miles south west of Mizen Head for alleged breaches of fishing 138,000 Loughshinny Harbour 67,500 Total Clare regulations. Fingal The vessel, the fifth to be Loughshinny Harbour 15,000 Ballycotton Pier 22,500 detained by the Navy this year, County Council was subsequently escorted to Rush Harbour 7,500

Castletownbere Co. Cork, where 93,750 157,500 on arrival it was handed over to An Kinsale Harbour – Pier at Fisherman’s Total Fingal Pontoon Garda Sí­ochána. Tarbert Pier 150,000

45,000 60,000 Youghal Harbour - Nealson Quay, Glen Pier, Ballinskelligs The course delivers practical training in a range of core navigation and safety skills A standalone Minister for Market Dock & Green Dock Kerry County Council Fisheries? 56,250 Cé Heilbhic. (Image: Cathal Ó hUallacháin) Ventry Pier Cork he Bord Iascaigh skills that will aid successful careers in the seafood sector. 251,250 Mhara (BIM) National participants to obtain a Skipper This is achieved by creating As government formation talks County Council Keelbeg – Union Hall Pier – Safety 30,000 Total Kerry he Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Measures Fisheries College of Full Certificate of Competency. fully recognised and accredited continue, last month Michael Collins Marine, Michael Creed T.D., last month T Roonagh Ireland in Castletownbere, BIM decided to pilot the pathways for lifelong learning TD raised the question in Dáil 150,000 announced details of a €3.1m package to Co. Cork is currently piloting training online as it will allow and career progression, Debate with An Taoiseach as to Utility Upgrade (water) at Keelbeg T (Union Hall Pier), Kinsale Harbour, 38,250 assist 10 coastal Local Authorities undertake and the Skipper Full Certificate of students the opportunity to featuring recognition of prior what exactly fishermen and women Baltimore Pier, Ballycotton Pier might expect from a Fianna Fáil/ complete 58 development and repair projects on 150,000 Competency as an online course. complete their studies this learning and portable modular The Skipper Full Programme, year. Speaking after the online qualifications. Fine Gael government. harbours and slipways owned by them (see table for Safety Measures & Improvement Works Killala Bundle - Ilawn na gCoarach (Bere Highlighting that with many boats Island), Bea Lough Pier, Abbey Pier which commenced the week pilot was announced, Ian Capt. Shane Begley, details). 26,250 (Sherkin Island), East Pier (Heir Mayo County 112,500 tied up due to the coronavirus crisis of May 6th, will be conducted Mannix, Skills Development College Principal, National The package provides funding for maintenance Island),Middle Land (Long Island). Colla Council Blacksod the industry is close “to the edge”, Pier & Abbey Pier (Sherkin Island) as a nine-week online course, Services Manager, BIM said, Fisheries College of Ireland, and repair works in addition to supporting the 112,500 the Cork South West independent followed by three weeks in situ “We felt it was important in the Castletownbere spoke ongoing development and enhancement of Utility Upgrade Bundle (Water & Ballina Harbour asked what plan was in place for Electricity) Schull Pier, Courtmacsherry 32,250 in Castletownbere once the current difficult circumstances of the students’ reaction those vessel owners, before going harbour facilities including some marine leisure & Middle Land (Long Island) 525,000 college can open for the new that students should have saying, “Currently we have four developments. Total Mayo on to query whether consideration Easkey Pier 84,000 academic term in accordance the option to continue their students enrolled on the pilot The Minister said, “I am delighted to announce is being given in coalition talks to with COVID restrictions. training, supported by BIM and programme and I’m heartened having a standalone Minister for the continuation of our programme to assist coastal Aughris Pier 67,500 This is a popular full- embracing new technologies to see how quickly they have Fisheries. Local Authorities in the repair and development of Monkstown Sand Quay Sligo County time course, designed for and teaching methods. We are adapted to online learning. It’s Council Leo Varadkar responded fishery and aquaculture linked marine infrastructures Milk Harbour 15,000 fishermen with a Second-Hand actively looking at what other fantastic to be able to facilitate he was aware of the sector’s under their ownership.” 7,500 Full Certificate of Competency, programmes we can introduce their ongoing training and difficulties, that Minister Creed and The Local Authority programme forms part of the 166,500 and 12 months sea time in online to support our students’ we look forward to providing his 'European colleagues' were Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Total Sligo that capacity, who wish to BIM Skills Development similar support with some of our working on ways to assist, and that “anything relating to conversations 2020 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure gain further qualifications in unit is one of BIM’s five other courses”. Development Programme, whereby the Department Tramore North Pier 150,000 skippering a vessel. The course organisational units and is For updates and more on forming a Government are a co-funds up to 75% of the total cost of approved delivers tuition in a range of focused on enhancing the information go to www.bim.ie/ matter for the parties and not a Castletownsend 5,250 matter for the Dáil just yet.” projects, with the Local Authority providing the core navigation and safety attractiveness and viability of training Helvick Pier 150,000 Judging by both parties' balance. Waterford County Council

manifestos and that of the Greens, The Minister went on to say, “The Local Authority Drumlave (Adrigole) 5,250 however, I wouldn’t hold my breath. Boatstrand Pier 120,000 owned harbours in receipt of funding under this year’s programme are fundamental to the wellbeing 15,000 Youghal Bridge / Ticknock Pier Social Democrats Call for greater of rural coastal communities and play an important

Foreshore Licence for fibre optic 435,000 social and economic role in their respective localities Knockadoon Pier & Slip Total Waterford cable off Mayo quashed 13,500 regulation of ‘supertrawlers’ by contributing to the ongoing development of Slade Harbour 71,250

fishing related activities, increasing participation in Clare Island fisherman, James Kilmore Quay 150,000 ith the new Fisheries mammals which further decimate Social Democrats are committed O’Toole, who last month launched marine leisure and supplementing measures to attract Control Regulation fish stocks and damage Irish to working towards an EU-wide Kilmore Quay 60,000 High Court proceedings to stop greater numbers of tourists which ultimately create Wexford County Kilmore Quay 75,000 currently before the coastal and island communities,” ban on super-trawlers.” the laying of a fibre optic cable off the environment for job creation.” 7,500 Council W Lough Hyne East New Ross Marina 22,500 European Parliament, Social says Cork South West TD Holly. A promise to work towards an Mayo has won the first part of his Minister Creed concluded the announcement by

battle, after a decision was taken to Kilmore Quay Marina 22,500 Democrats Holly Cairns TD “Supertrawlers are the very EU-wide ban on ‘supertrawlers’ stating, “The €3.1m I have made available in 2020 is 52,500 and Councillor Ross O’Connell opposite of sustainable fishing. and ensure current fisheries quash the foreshore licence granted testament to my commitment to assist in the ongoing Warren’s Boathouse Pier Fethard Harbour 11,250 to multinational consortium-owned have written to MEPs on the We need more oversight of controls are strictly observed and economic and social development in our rural coastal 394,500 Courtown Harbour 7,500 Parliament’s PECH Committee their activities, including the adequately resourced was one America Europe Connect 2 (AEC) Total Cork communities. This enlarged scheme will provide a by the Department of Planning and Leenan Slipway 150,000 expressing their support for provision in new EU regulations of the fisheries-related points in Donegal County 420,000 Local Government earlier this year much needed economic boost to these communities, Council CCTV onboard ‘supertrawlers’. on allowing CCTV to monitor the Social Democrats General Greencastle Pier 90,000 Total Wexford to install part of the cable off Old given the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on The measure, they say, will compliance with landing Election Manifesto last spring. 22,500 Head. rural areas. Malinbeg Slipway Winch “provide greater monitoring obligations.” One aspect of the new North and South Piers, Arklow 45,000 According to Marine Notice 21 “The diverse range of projects approved for of their activities” and “help Ross says, “Fishing policy Fisheries Control Regulation 18,000 of 2020, initial installation works Packet Pier, Wicklow 52,500 protect sea life and Irish fishing should be about supporting concerns the installation of funding under the programme are geographically Ballyederlan Pier were due to start on May 17th and spread across 10 Local Authorities and will not North & South Quay, Wicklow 33,750 communities.” local communities and ensuring CCTV on a certain percentage of finish on June 16th. The works are Wicklow County only create local construction employment over Carrickarory 45,000 Council East Pier, Wicklow 61,875 “Supertrawlers are an obscene sustainable practices. We need vessels fishing for species subject now, however, on hold while the industrialised version of fishing. interventions like this one to to the Landing Obligation, question as to whether another the lifetime of the projects, but equally will further Wicklow & Arklow Harbour 22,500 enhance the amenities provided to the wider Marine Massive nets indiscriminately highlight the harm being done by according to various ‘risk foreshore licence should be granted Port Inver (Aid to Navigation) 12,000 215,625 sweep up all forms of fish and sea these factory sized vessels. The categories.’ is considered. community in these coastal areas.” Total Wicklow Total Grant Aid Nead na Gé 22,500 3,136,875 Approved

Entrance to Kincasslagh (Aid to 24,000 Navigation)

Cruit Lower 22,500

Donegal Town (Aids to Navigation) 18,000

Mullinasole 9,000

Total Donegal 433,500

Balbriggan Harbour 67,500

Loughshinny Harbour 67,500

Fingal Loughshinny Harbour 15,000 County Council Rush Harbour 7,500

157,500 Total Fingal Tarbert Pier 150,000

45,000 Glen Pier, Ballinskelligs Kerry County Council 56,250 Ventry Pier

251,250 Total Kerry 8 News BIM JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 IRISH SKIPPER EXPO News 9

Nurturing Green Shoots in the Irish Sea

haddock in the Irish Sea. Previous work by BIM and Industry demonstrated the benefits of using 100mm T90 mesh for haddock in the Celtic Sea so it IRELAND’S made sense to examine if similar findings would apply in the Irish Sea. FLAGSHIP FISHERIES SHOW Led by BIM’s Martin Oliver, a trial was conducted in the Irish Sea in March 2020 to compare catches between these gears. The T90 codend reduced undersize haddock by 41% and retained similar small quantities of whiting and cod compared with the 120mm codend. A reduction in quantities and value of small RESCHEDULED market sized haddock was offset by increased catches of plaice and other prime species in the T90 codend. A simple economic SHOW DATES analysis demonstrated a 64% increase in total catch value with the T90 before the monthly 0 haddock quota was fully utilised. SEPT 202 Large grade haddock were scarce 04-05 The T90 codend reduced undersized haddock by 41% on the grounds during the trial. We know from previous work 10-4 that T90 codends consistently 0-6 SAT sustainability and to maximise occurred in the Nephrops fishery catch more large grade haddock FRI 1 Dr Ronán Cosgrove economic returns on available in the Irish Sea. In 2014, BIM and Fisheries Conservation when they are available. T90 quotas. Industry demonstrated significant Manager, BIM also improves catch quality As outlined in BIM’s recent 70% and 52% reductions in and further Industry-led testing ‘The Business of Seafood haddock and whiting catches is planned to demonstrate the UL SPORT, LIMERICK s the Irish fishing industry 2019’, the Celtic Sea is the with an enlarged 300 mm square- benefits of this gear first-hand. In continues to deal with stronghold for Irish demersal mesh escape panel. This led to the meantime, an application has A­the fall-out from the fish landings. Following a steady comprehensive uptake of this been submitted to the European COVID-19 crisis, it is essential decline since the 1980s, there measure in the Irish Sea from Commission to permit use of that landings are tailored to are signs of green shoots in the 2016 onwards and it looks like this gear in the Irish Sea. If available markets, and catches Irish Sea where haddock is the the benefits are starting to accrue. successful, Industry uptake of the are optimised to make best use of most important commercial fish While the Nephrops fleet T90 codend would further boost available resources. species. The Marine Institute can take a bow, the directed stock sustainability and economic While Nephrops exports Stock Book shows that average haddock fishery which accounts returns in the increasingly remain hampered due to the haddock landings of 513t from for around 70% of Irish Sea important Irish Sea haddock Italian market collapse, sales 2013 to 2015 increased by 75% haddock landings is the main fishery. of demersal fish species are to 898t from 2016 to 2018. This beneficiary from the success of BIM would like to thank the faring slightly better. As is likely linked to a substantial this conservation measure. The owner and crew of the trial vessel industry reliance on such species 56% reduction in the haddock directed fishery stands to gain for a fruitful collaboration. Their increases, it is imperative that discard rate over the same period. even more if a new proposed gear names are excluded due to use of unwanted catches—formerly Whiting discards also dropped by measure is implemented. Irish economic data. A full trial report known as discards—are 48% so a pattern emerges: vessels currently use a 120mm is available at www.bim.ie/our- minimised to boost fish stock Most discarding traditionally diamond-mesh codend to target publications/fisheries

The For more information on Irish Skipper Expo 2020 COVID-19 Temporary Tie-up Scheme Open for Applications Skipper please contact: he Minister for Agriculture Food and the Ireland and the European Commission. Available to a maximum of 66% of the Marine’s recently announced temporary Vessels that are eligible vessels will be fishing fleet, in the different size categories, in Show Sponsors Sharon Boyle Tvoluntary tie-up scheme for the Irish fleet supported to voluntarily opt to tie up for one or any one month “to ensure that the food chain Commercial Fishing Manager was launched by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) two months, during June, July & August. The is maintained and that there is continuity of last month, opening for applications on May two-month period does not necessarily have to supply to the limited markets available”, the 19th. be for consecutive months. For instance, the tie- closing date for applications for June is 5pm on Email: [email protected] The scheme—which has been “designed to up period could be June and August. Wednesday, May 27th. Applications for July and assist in adjusting the supply of fish coming Offering support from €500 per month for August will be accepted up until June 20th and onto a market that is currently depressed due a maximum of two months for the smallest July 20th respectively. Tel: 00353 (0)74 95 48037 to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect quota vessels (under 6 metres in length) to €6,000 per Any vessel not receiving support to tie-up Mobile: 00353 (0)86 8401250 availability for later in the year”—will be month for a maximum of two months for the in any month due to over-subscription to the implemented under Ireland’s European Maritime largest vessels (over 24 metres), the scheme’s scheme may opt to tie-up for one or two of the and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme announcement has met with cool response from following months. Applications to the scheme Web: www.theskipper.ie IRISH SKIPPER EXPO 2020 2014-20, co-funded by the Government of the industry. can be made online at https://bim.flexigrant.com/ 10 News AQUACULTURE JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 AQUACULTURE News 11

BIM Aquaculture Remote Classroom Aquaculture Technical Fresh, local, delicious… 7 Good Reasons to Eat Oysters (ARC) goes online Appeals Advisor Sought n The Department of Agriculture, Food you ord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has aquaculture industry in Ireland. Health and the Marine seeks to recruit an Aquaculture Oysters offer a wealth of announced its Aquaculture Remote and nutrition are also covered. Technical Appeals Advisor. The function of health benefits, thanks to their BClassroom (ARC) has moved Lesson content for each episode links the role is to assist and advise the Aquaculture huge stockpiles of essential temporarily online, allowing teachers and to SESE Science, SESE Geography and Licences Appeal Board on technical issues vitamins and minerals. pupils access to a series of lessons that SPHE Education topics. arising out of appeal applications. They’re an excellent source have been specially created based on the Schools can access the content at: https:// Main responsibilities of the role include of protein, vitamin D, zinc, 5th and 6th class school curriculum. aquaculture.ie/register-for-online-content/ examining appeals received by the Board, iron and copper, and also Primary school children have been Parents and pupils can access the undertaking investigations, examinations, site have high levels of Vitamin learning how oysters, salmon and content at: https://bit.ly/3cDoNUJ visits and studies of aquaculture sites under C, phosphorus, niacin and other seafood are being sustainably appeal, and attending Board meetings and riboflavin. Vitamin C is the farmed around the coast of Ireland in Learning how oysters, salmon and other seafood hearings. important one as it plays such the purpose-built Aquaculture Remote are sustainably grown around the coast The successful candidate will be appointed at an important role in boosting Classroom (ARC) since its launch in 2018. the grade of Higher Executive Officer (HEO). our immune systems and that The mobile classroom has visited more Full details of the job specification can be found feels like a good thing right than 50 national schools to date. at https://bit.ly/2TBHalE now. Richard Donnelly, Sectoral Manager for Salmon and Shellfish, BIM said: “BIM 6. Because we need to is proud to be able to offer this online Closing date for applications is June 5th support our oyster farmers resource to teachers and their pupils as According to BIM, in schools remain temporarily closed. 2018 Irish oyster growers “The seafood industry is an Both AE2020 and AE2021 produced an all-time high integral part of Ireland’s rural coastal of 10,300 tonnes of oysters communities. In coastal Donegal for to go ahead in 2021 and directly employed 1,300 April and May are a particularly example, as many as 16 out of every n good time to enjoy oysters people nationwide. While 100 adults work in the industry and The European Aquaculture Society aquaculture is on the list of aquaculture is an important part of the (EAS) Board of Directors have decided the essential services and growers mix. However, quite often even the term Aquaculture Europe 2020 (AE2020) event ike many across the most commercial growers are tasty 100g, a No 2 in the oyster are allowed to continue to aquaculture has many people drawing cannot go ahead as planned in Cork from seafood sector, so far growing Pacific oysters and grading system, that’s the work, with restaurants closed a blank. The aim of the ARC is to help September 29th to October 2nd this autumn, 2020 has been difficult April and May are a particularly perfect size for those who enjoy the reality is that there is very bridge that gap in understanding.” meaning there will be no Aquaculture Europe L (AE) event this year. for oyster growers but there are good time to enjoy them! their oyster on the half shell. little market for their oysters Each lesson focuses on an aquaculture plenty of good reasons why that 2. Because the water is warm 4. Because bigger is… better? leaving them facing a crisis. The theme and has a fun quiz for students However, to maintain their commitment to should change… Here are just Right now the oysters are With the markets closed livelihood of all those people to complete at the end. The first episode their chosen locations, delegates, exhibitors seven from Triskell Seafood… actively growing, waters are the growers are working hard depends on their ability to get in the new series is an introduction to and attendees, EAS will organise two events in 1. Because arguably they are warming up and there is plenty to slow down the amount the their oysters sold. aquaculture. Other lessons will look at 2021. AE2020 in Cork, Ireland from April 12- at their best right now of algae for them to eat. What’s oysters grow. This summer 7. Because we believe in how geographic, environmental, and 15 and AE2021 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal 6 You’ve heard the old adage more, the global shutdown we may see bigger than usual buying local socio-economic factors can impact the months later from October 5-8. “only eat oysters when there means that the waters they are oysters for sale which will Now more than ever is the The deadline for abstracts for the is an R in the month”? This growing in are cleaning than allow us to get inventive with time to buy local. No air miles. rescheduled AE2020 in Cork is December came from a time when what ever. our cooking. Larger oysters Buy local and keep the money 31st. The deadline for early bird registration is was available on the market 3. Because N°2 is perfect might not suit those who like to in your community, what’s Recruitment underway for 2020 Irish February 15th. The deadline for abstracts for was native oysters and the In late Spring / early Summer down them in one but they are more, you can’t get fresher than AE2021 is May 1st, with a deadline for early fishing season closed for the the adult oysters are getting to marvellous grilled, baked, fried buying directly from the grower Aquaculture Accelerator Programme bird registration of July 15th. summer to allow the oysters a the perfect size for our plates. or on a summer barbeque. or from your local fishmonger. chance to reproduce. Nowadays They’ve fleshed up to around a 5. Because they are good for Fresh, local, delicious! ord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) announced With respect the programme, Wayne on Thursday, May 14th that Murphy, Co-Founder and COO, Hatch said: Farm to Fork: A real Brecruitment is underway for this “We are excited to partner with BIM once opportunity for aquaculture year’s Aquaculture Accelerator programme. again to create and drive more opportunity The two-week programme, managed by and innovation within the aquaculture n aquaculture accelerator Hatch and funded sector in Ireland. The ultimate aim with this The Federation of European Aquaculture under the European Maritime and Fisheries initiative is to grow, develop and support Producers (FEAP) have welcomed the EU’s Outlook for Irish Aquaculture Uncertain Fund, is taking place in the RDI (Research, more early stage ideas and talent in what is recently announced Farm to Fork Strategy, Development, Innovation) Hub in Killorglin, the fastest growing food sector in the world which sets out measures to deliver more ver the past weeks, IFA required specific to the sector. uncertainty as to the exact size At the time of writing, IFA Co Kerry this October. right now ($230B).” sustainable food systems and help achieve Aquaculture has been 80% of those who responded (59 of that budget in Ireland, Ms Aquaculture was awaiting a Richard Donnelly, Development and Ten start-up businesses from Ireland will the EU’s ‘Green Deal’ ambitions with respect Osurveying the impacts respondents in total) have availed Morrissey acknowledged more response from the Department on Innovation Manager, BIM said: “Last year’s have the opportunity to work directly with ‘climate-neutrality’ in Europe. COVID-19 is having on Irish of national supports, the majority money would be needed from those. aquaculture workshop, held in Dublin, and receive mentorship from a global team The emphasis placed on the role for aquaculture. The outlook is of which (95% of respondents) Brussels. To date, however, In terms of an outlook for the resulted in 3 of the participating Irish of experts from aquaculture, fin-tech and aquaculture as part of that strategy, particularly uncertain at best. have availed of the Wage Subsidy the sector has had no direct sector beyond that, Ms Morrissey businesses receiving significant capital marketing disciplines in October. in the areas of carbon capture, food security and Based on responses received Scheme (63%) and/or COVID-19 communication from the Minister. indicated that with lockdowns investment and going on to join the Hatch Commenting on BIM’s announcement sustainable food production has been especially from members, annual turnover Pandemic Unemployment Based on survey feedback and lifting, food services are starting Global Accelerator programme in Hawaii. Helen Rea, Programme Manager with RDI welcomed. for Irish aquaculture in 2020 is Payment (55%). analysis of possible supports that to open up and markets are It’s clear that many more concepts and ideas Hub, said: “We are excited to welcome According to the Commission: “European predicted to drop by 58% on last In terms of sector-specific could be made available, among tentatively starting to come back. await discovery and development in Ireland BIM and Hatch to Kerry later this year. farmers, fishers and aquaculture producers play year, which, based on figures from supports, speaking to The Skipper, the list of proposals that have However, it is still too early to given the right environment, investment and The purpose of RDI Hub is to catalyse a key role in the transition to a more equitable BIM’s Business of Seafood Report IFA Aquaculture Executive been sent to the Department for forecast impacts, she says. focus.” innovation and create high skilled ICT jobs and sustainable food system.” A number of 2019, could see a loss of €100 Teresa Morrissey said a solid discussion are: “Particularly for shellfish, for Like most accelerators, the BIM and achieving these objectives is accelerated measures, including financial instruments, will million euro, with potential losses response from the Department of • Suspension of annual licence mussels and oysters, you’ve got Aquaculture Accelerator offers access to through cross-fertilisation of ideas and be available to support fishermen, women and of €35 million euro in the shellfish Agriculture, Food and the Marine fees. a flooded market. And so any investors, fin-tech and other specialists, but solutions across sectors. Consequently, sector alone. An assessment of as to what kind of scheme, if any, • Subsidised scheme for loss of markets that are opening up is this programme is specifically tailored to the partnering with BIM and Hatch on this aquaculture producers in driving the necessary turnover for the first two quarters might be made available for the sales/ reduction in production only minute in comparison as to aquaculture sector. This is the third such important initiative is a natural fit for RDI transition, they say. of 2020 shows a reduction of 70- sector based on the new EU rules • Compensation for stock what is needed to alleviate the BIM aquaculture accelerator to take place Hub.” A real opportunity for the aquaculture sector 100% compared to the same period which allow for supports from lost due to mortality losses/ pressure.” since 2018. Start-ups on the programmes The BIM aquaculture accelerator to position itself as part of the solution to these last year. European Maritime and Fisheries unsellable stock. “And that’s part of what are diverse. Previous years’ businesses have programme is taking place from the 5th growing demands, says FEAP, at home IFA Members were also surveyed Fund (EMFF) budgets had not yet • Insurance costs: State to we need as support. We need included innovative technologies in salmon until the 16th of October in the RDI Hub, Aquaculture highlight that Ireland, as an island on national supports available been forthcoming. subsidise insurance costs for something that’s going to alleviate cage manufacturing to online trading Killorglin, Co Kerry. For details on how to nation, will have a distinct advantage in this and potential additional supports While there is still a lot of one year. that pressure.” platforms for aquaculture products. apply, please go to www.hatch.blue regard! 12 News JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 News 13

EU Ombudsman castigates EU Council over lack of Paper Fish and the Christmas Panto

transparency – Council unrepentant ack of transparency in states remain rather cautious EU fisheries negotiations about substantial changes,” it has long been an issue for said. “Where will they get the fish?” Lindustry organisations, which “Reaching an agreement Murrin asked the minister, who was By LORNA SIGGINS Quota negotiations in Brussels rely on politicians and their among 28 EU member states advisors to brief them on the can be a challenging procedure momentarily lost for words. “behind-door” all night sessions – even more so if the decision UROPE’s main decision- in December. involves sharing a limited making body on fisheries “The Christmas panto”, as it resource such as fish,” its report has “failed fully” to was termed by Harry Browne in said. minutes, and provide detailed Unregistered lobbyists should E The Dublin Review (winter 2008- “Ministers have a political “grasp the critical link between information on member state not be able to get meetings or democracy and transparency”, 9), is where “the science meets incentive to fight for their negotiating positions, ideally access buildings, Transparency according to EU Ombudsman the politics, and more often than national interests and claim before compromises have been International said. It also Emily O’Reilly. not the latter wins”. victory for tough and successful reached or votes have been held. said permanent representations Ms O’Reilly’s damning “The gathered ministers treat negotiations. They often emerge It called on the EU to extend of member states should criticism comes as her office the scientific evidence about from negotiations proclaiming live-streaming to Council and pledge to no longer meet with has confirmed a finding of fish stocks as though it were “the best possible deal” for the Committee of the Permanent unregistered lobbyists as well as “maladministration” against the enemy’s initial negotiating fishing industry, as the former Representatives of the the rotating presidency – both in the EU Council for failing to position, not a statement of UK fisheries’ minister Richard Governments of the Member Brussels and in national capitals. introduce more transparency into marine reality”, Browne wrote. Benyon did in 2012,” it noted. States to the European Union “To enable the public to annual fishery negotiations. The “panto” engaged in “A fixed upper limits victory debates; and make trilogue monitor the implementation of She has expressed “regret” by politicians inspired a now for one side would normally meetings more transparent by the above principle, the Council that EU fisheries ministers failed infamous phrase—“paper mean a defeat for the other side. publishing agendas, participant should publish meetings with to adopt a demand for more fish”—coined by the late In the case of the negotiations lists, negotiating positions and lobbyists as is current practice transparency in the lead up to, Killybegs Fishermen’s of fishing quotas, alliances proposals for compromises for the European Commission,” and negotiation of, the annual Organisation chief executive between member states have before the meetings, and detailed it said. And it said all scientific catch and quota negotiations Joey Murrin to describe the extra to be built to reach a qualified minutes in a timely fashion and socio-economic evidence under the Common Fisheries percentage sought by European majority. To get a mutually afterwards. used in the preparatory bodies of Policy (CFP). of unexplained fishing quotas, Council ‘preparatory bodies’ or “The disclosure of initial industry representatives which beneficial compromise, there It called for best practice the Council negotiations should Transparency is “all the more set above the scientific advice in meetings of the Council of positions of member states ahead is “invented” by politicians to is a real incentive for ministers at each stage of the decision- be open to public scrutiny. important when the decision- for the recovery and long-term Ministers”. of deliberations would lead to placate them. to just “make the cake bigger” making process, and ensuring the After the EU Ombudsman’s making relates to the protection sustainability of fish populations”. The NGO was also concerned more entrenched positions and Murrin had recalled a late by setting higher fishing limits EU Council would become a full ruling, it would seem such of the environment,” she has said. In her ruling, Ms O’Reilly said that the EU Council “failed reduce their margin of manoeuvre night phone call from former than those that are scientifically member of the EU Transparency recommendations are a long way that she had “already taken the to provide timely access to compromise, jeopardising thus marine minister Michael Woods advised, ”it said. Register. off... view that having a complete and to legislative documents, an agreement during Council in Brussels in the 1990s where “This way everybody can accessible public register is key to proactively and upon request”, deliberations. This applies not the politician was eager to walk away from the negotiations transparency”. and “has in place an incomplete only in the phase of decision- convey the good news that an announcing that they were “To enable the public to and unsatisfactory register of making procedure leading to the alliance with the Netherlands able to secure a good deal. In exercise fully the right to access documents”. political agreement but is also had led to an overall ten per the case of the renewable but documents, all documents The EU Ombudsman is relevant in the phase leading to cent increase in Ireland’s total limited resource of fish, this Engine reliability produced and/or circulated independent and is charged with the adoption of the legal texts by allowable catch for mackerel. increases the risk of overfishing in preparatory bodies should holding EU institutions and actual vote within the Council,” “Where will they get the fish?” and unsustainable catches. Thus, be listed in a public register, agencies to account. However, it said. Murrin asked the minister, who a successful agreement comes irrespective of their format and in its defence, the EU Council “Disclosure would therefore was momentarily lost for words. at the price of depleting fish whether they are fully or partially argued that proactively releasing limit the possibility to discuss Environmental non- stocks and undermining the very accessible or not accessible at documentation could “seriously in serenity and agree, which government organisations basis of profitable fishing in the all,” her ruling stated undermine” decision-making by would, in turn, run counter to the (NGOs) are also concerned future,” it said. Emily O’Reilly “In addition, in order to ministers at the annual December efficiency of the decision-making about transparency. “It’s time to Transparency International enable the public to access these negotiations. It also said that the process,” it said. bring fisheries negotiations into said the system developed Avoid dirty Bacteria growth Save your injectors “The Council’s position documents, they must be easy outcome of the deliberations was Releasing documents in the light” is the title of a recent over the CFP lifetime had diesel tanks - risk of blockage appears to be that a key to find on the (EU) Council’s a “non-legislative” act. advance would “require a posting by Birdwatch Ireland resonances with the “tragedy of of in-line filters democratic standard—legislative website. Only through a complete It argued that it could “delay comprehensive case-by-case policy officer Fintan Kelly. He the commons” – the theory used transparency—must be sacrificed and accessible register of the successful outcome of assessment of the individual cites the EU Ombudsman’s to describe how participants in for what it considers to be the documents can the public get a Council deliberations, as member information contained in the ruling in a paper that is critical a commonage can sometimes greater good of achieving a proper overview of deliberations states need to balance different documents in order to verify of the EU’s progress towards “independently and rationally, CJC® Oil Filters installed on-board consensus on a political issue,” taking place in preparatory interests at stake for more than a whether or not exceptions laid ending overfishing. according to their own self- “FIONA K III on: she has said. bodies,” she stated. hundred fish stocks in preparing down in the EU rules on access However, some NGOs tend to interest, behave contrary to the • Diesel Fuel Last October, the EU The finding in favour of their initial positions”. to documents prevent such a take the view that the industry common good of all users by Ombudsman’s office said that the the complainant took the It said that it could expose the disclosure”. lobbyists have become used to depleting that resource”. • Engine Lube Oil EU Council should “proactively” view that since the documents Council to “external pressure” “Furthermore, such working the existing system and “Even though it is not in the • Hydraulic Systems release documents on annual in question are “legislative as “the context in which the assessments require consultation favour a more opaque approach long-term national interest to fishing quota negotiations into the documents” and contain negotiations take place is highly of relevant participants before Four years ago, Transparency support overfishing, from a public domain. environmental information, politicised and subject to external disclosing sensitive information International, the global anti- bargaining position it can seem The documents should be “wider and more timely access attention”. pertaining to them,” the EU corruption network, published rational for a government to made public at the same time as should be granted” “If documents detailing Council added. an interesting analysis, which maximise their own quota if they are circulated to member The investigation also the state of negotiations and ClientEarth environmental acknowledged that disclosing every other government is also states, or “as soon as possible considered the documents consolidating positions of democracy lawyer Anne full negotiating positions in pushing for this,” its report said. thereafter”, it said. to “contain environmental member states were released in Friel welcomed the EU advance of talks might not be “This creates a so-called The recommendation followed information within the meaning the course of the negotiations Ombudsman‘s “stance against the realistic, but noted that there was ‘social dilemma’, where what a complaint by non-profit of the Aarhus Regulation” in this context, this would risk Council’s lack of transparency”. little appetite for more openness seems to be rational from an environmental law organisation concerning access to information, freezing the respective positions “But we regret that despite among EU member states. individual perspective creates a ClientEarth, which has offices in public participation and access to and limit the flexibility of taking crucial decisions for the “While there has been a group situation in which everybody is Let us help you with London, Brussels, Warsaw, Berlin justice in environmental matters. member states to shift from their future of our planet, the Council of progressive member states ultimately worse off...” your oil related issues and Beijing. It noted that complainant initial positions as well as their of the EU still refuses to open (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Transparency International Ms O’Reilly began her ClientEarth was concerned that willingness to compromise, which its decision-making to public the Netherlands, Slovenia and made several recommendations CONTACT investigation in May 2019, the EU Council “fails to record are key to successfully reaching scrutiny, dubiously claiming that Sweden), which previously in its 2016 report. These call C.C.JENSEN Ireland Jan Foged after the lawyers’ organisation the positions of member state an agreement at Council level,” it would delay or influence the produced an outline for future on the EU fisheries council to 086 82 71 508 - www.ccjensen.ie - [email protected] raised the issue of “many years governments as expressed in it said. process,” Ms Friel said. reform, the majority of member publish more detailed results/ 14 News REGIONAL JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 NORTHERN IRELAND News 15

NORTHERN IRELAND NEWS By Dick James

Meanwhile, the whitefish Waiting for the weather to ease early last fleet has also put to sea but what March in Ardglass. Image: Chris Feenan the demand will be like is not yet known, although there is talk of a resurgent local market with supermarket fish counters closed and a theme of local is best (compared presumably to imports). Factories are reopening and hawker/traders getting ready for opportunities. Meanwhile, in the wider context, some scallopers are carrying on to the season’s close (end of May), again favouring local sales, and beam trawling carries on with the Margaret of Ladrasm finishing off the spring fishery in the Irish Sea after short forays into the Bristol Channel, and a sizeable Belgian fleet doing the reverse i.e. fishing the Irish Sea to complete a trip started in the Bristol Channel. The pelagics are in close was joined by the southern Irish Clyde (and stayed there). What season but factories are The Fishery fleet, but that lasted for a limited the reaction of the local fleet will reporting reasonable sales, period for whatever reasons. One be remains to be seen, as one or suggesting that on return to the or two boats tried the Cumbrian two Clyde boats breaking the summer herring there will be a Gleaner II visiting Red Bay from Campbeltown last n these uncertain times, grounds off St Bees Head but lockdown previously induced a reasonable market left open. month for a job with i-fish. Image: Stephen Jones, i-fish events are happening at a nothing much developed, and hostile reaction. There are signs Small inshore potters are Ifurious pace and frequently the Clyde grounds were left of a very limited recovery of the experiencing the worst of the overtake any reporting I may do unfished as it is said that prices prawn market in Great Britain export market shutdowns, on what is a volatile situation. on offer tempted not the local with enquires for product, but although there is some Last edition, we left it that fleet and the usual Portavogie not yet in volume to tempt indication that the tide is SEA FLAG GRANT Chandlery stores grants to the fleet in reaction to prawners fishing the area were landings on the mainland. turning in this sphere too. reopen (so it is said) the coronavirus in lockdown anyway. The only he South East Area Fisheries Local development and well-being of the children were at odds between other activity by the Co Down Action Group (SEA FLAG) recently and its role in promoting the fishing industry n The Northern Ireland Fish Government grant and the fleet was guardship activity in announced their latest project – funding as a future career. Producer Organisation chandlery Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ far distant parts. T stores reopened for business after a 6 for St Nicholas Primary School, Ardglass Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Organisation (NIFPO) grant, On the 11th of May, the in the form of a nautical themed ecogarden.­ Chairperson Charlie Casey commented on a week shutdown on the 14th of May. whereas Government said the restrictions changed and the Ardglass is one of the main fishing harbours similar theme noting the potential impact on This followed a 3 day stocktake by staff returning from furlough. The recipients had to be in a position Portavogie and Kilkeel fleets, in Northern Ireland and the primary school is the local fishing industry in the minds of both to fish and NIFPO said they previously tied up, put to sea en stores were closed mid-March as a seen as a hub of the community. Many of the the children and the wider community. reaction to COVID-19 lockdown, had to contract to tie-up for the masse reportedly on a limited- fishermen working from Ardglass would have Previously, SEA FLAG has grant aided, period. time allowance set by the market but as fishing and fishing supplies started their education at the school, and the through the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour provision were seen as playing a vital In the end, the tie-up of a 3 day week. Whether this is garden is in recognition of this and taking this Authority, two refrigerated freezer storage role within the economy this closure obligation was dropped so all reality or is enforced remains to forward to the next generation. facilities at Ardglass and Portavogie for use was of a voluntary nature as was the boats, fishing or not, got both be seen. Most boats joined the The project involves carrying out by the local creel fishermen as a bait storage reopening. The Portavogie and Kilkeel grants and peace resumed (sort existing fleet in the western Irish groundworks and installing 2 towers, a frame facility. The provision of bait has now become fleets resumed fishing on the 11th of of). So limited fishing continued Sea but a significant number with a reinforced cargo net, steps, a slide, a significant issue within the local creel May, joining the Ardglass boats. mainly in the mid-channel of found their way to the Cumbrian rope bridge and the bow of a ship. The frame fishery, and the store originally supplied to the western Irish Sea with a bias grounds for which the usual Still waiting on the winds to ease. Ardglass fleet tied up at the will replicate the lifting frame of a fishing Ardglass has now proved of limited capacity to the Manx shore and for one season is with us, and some end of March. Image: Chris Feenan boat including netting with artificial fish illustrating the need for increased capacity. Latest on Nephrops mad week the Co Down fleet Portavogie boats went to the inside, local to the fishing village. The project Indeed, bait provision has now become an also envisages an eco-garden with plant and industry in itself, whereas previously it had n The United Kingdom Fish vegetable planters, bugs life trio, picnic tables been a means of disposal of unwanted fish Producer Organisations with a stake in and an open playhouse. It is envisaged that the carcass and offal. the Nephrops fishery recently agreed, project will be used by guest speakers from A Kilkeel based project involving G Smyth as a function of their management Harbour staff the environmental, fisheries, aquaculture and Boats Ltd was also funded by SEA FLAG. responsibilities, to adopt measures maritime sectors to deliver talks and other This involved the company diversifying into in respect of marketing of Nephrops. he “new” Kilkeel Harbour Master, job as competently as any male. Harbour Young some months ago. In Portavogie activities to the community. a new fibreglass mould for the construction What form this may take is not clear, Danielle Rooney featured recently operations including dredging and slipping Neil Warnock has taken over the duties of Theresa Taggart, the school’s parent group of 10-12m catamarans. The emphasis was on but with so many players in different areas at different levels and with in a television documentary, Home were covered but the eye-opener was the Harbour Master from Eddie Robinson who treasurer, said the facility will complement the increased production and efficiencies, with the T different marketing strategies it is Ground, focusing on the day by day running filleting demonstration done by a fish worker has been in post for the past seven years. school’s curriculum and enhance awareness of benefit of job security and creation. of Kilkeel Harbour. As it was, the point involving beheading a haddock before With the appointment of James Lenaghan difficult to see common ground being the local fishing industry. There will also be Previously, Portavogie had benefited with of interest as far as the program went slicing the carcass. as Ardglass Harbour Master in 2017, that an easy journey end. Certainly, the was the gender of the Harbour Master Danielle took the responsibility of the means a clean sweep of NIFHA Harbour an environmental impact. grant aid for a telescopic lifting vehicle to aid tails fishery in the Irish Sea poses and the fact that a woman could do the job from the previous incumbent Michael Masters in the last 3 years. SEA FLAG chairman Alderman Angus repair and upgrading of fishing boats. The different objectives from the whole Carson emphasised the impact on the recipient was Marshall Engineering Services. prawn fishery in other parts. 16 News INTERNATIONAL JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 INTERNATIONAL News 17

UK NEWS £500,000 from Seafarers UK for fishermen and women affected by the COVID-19 pandemic Developing a participatory approach to the management n response to the COVID-19 of fishing activity in UK offshore Marine Protected Areas pandemic’s impact on Imerchant seafarers, fishermen, women and their uccessfully involving the fishing sector see management outcomes that are widely Bangor University said, “This project offered families, Seafarers UK has and stakeholders in decision-making supported and accommodate sustainable a fantastic opportunity for collaboration created a new Seafarers UK Sover the management of fisheries in marine livelihoods with meeting management between a range of marine environment COVID-19 Emergency Fund of marine protected areas (MPAs) is important objectives.” stakeholders (from fishers to conservationists, £2million, with £500,000 to their overall effectiveness and sustainable Using two existing MPAs in the Irish Sea regulators to scientists) and developed really immediately allocated to assist management of our seas. The results of a new and North Sea as case studies to explore the useful outputs for future use in the adaptive fishing communities across project including new tools and approaches challenges of managing sedimentary habitats; marine protected area management sphere. It Britain. to use when establishing, evaluating and the project has focussed on mechanisms has been very useful to discuss the usability, adapting fisheries management measures in for enabling the fishing sector to engage applicability and potential future avenues for Seafarers UK Chairman Vice MPAs aims to help achieve just that. positively with the management process and the Benthic Impacts Tool with likely users of Admiral Peter Wilkinson CB The work has been led by the Joint Nature bring their perspectives and knowledge to the the Tool.” CVO BA said: “The trustees of Conservation Committee (JNCC), together table. For those who may be interested in Seafarers UK have released new with partners the Marine Management It has been designed as a guide to help learning more about the project, all resources funds to help fishers recover from the widespread impact on their Organisation (MMO), Natural England, regulators assess the suitability of establishing from the project are available at https://bit. Coronavirus the National Federation of Fishermen’s a participatory approach, including ly/2AZHfJ8 wellbeing and livelihoods as a Organisations (NFFO) and Bangor University governance structure, stakeholder balance, result of the coronavirus. COVID-19 Rapid Response Fishermen’s Mission that will supported by funding from the European management objectives, and logistics. Each “We are working with our Grant Programme guidelines help us sustain our support to Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). section comes complete with a standalone charity partners to provide both can be found at https://bit. fishermen and their families at A series of workshops over the last summary poster that highlights key hardship funding and innovative ly/2xRJj4V this difficult time. two years were facilitated by independent information to help ensure that users can take new projects to support our • £200,000 to The Fishermen’s “Importantly, the overall consultants CAG and brought together the away the key messages. fishing communities through and Mission to provide hardship commitment here is not only to fishing sector, regulators, scientific advisors “The project has been a fantastic beyond the current crisis. Our welfare grants to fishers addressing short term welfare and academic researchers to inform the new opportunity to share perspectives on how and long history of helping those who and their families, based on needs, but also to assisting fishing guidance, resulting in the MPA Fisheries why we all participate in MPA management, work at sea enables us to target requests received via the communities recover as they Management Toolkit. The toolkit aims to and has produced some great resources which effective and meaningful support Mission’s frontline staff – emerge from the current crisis. I provide a resource for those involved in, and will hopefully help decision makers and to where it is most needed.” see https://bit.ly/3dyTGJX am confident that this engagement affected by, fisheries management decision- stakeholders make the most of opportunities Included in the grants that • £50,000 reserved for with a broad spectrum of issues Peter Wilkinson making and lays out the key elements to to come together,” said Nick Greenwood, have been awarded to partners organisations working with and partners across the fishing consider when establishing a participatory Principal marine Conservation Manager, providing advice and support fishermen and women around endeavour should deliver positive 0000. www.seafarers.uk approach to management in MPAs. Marine Conservation Team, MMO. the UK. outcomes.” Individual fishermen and Dale Rodmell, Assistant Chief Executive, The work also includes the development arising from the widespread Welcoming the funds, David Grants from Seafarers UK are women seeking support should NFFO said, “The work has married of the Benthic Impacts Tool, a management impacts of the coronavirus are: together an evidence-based approach decision-making support tool, drawing on the • £250,000 to provide Dickens CBE, Chief Executive offered to charities and other contact SAIL, a dedicated free to MPA management with a more in- latest scientific understanding of the impacts match funding with The Officer of The Fishermen’s organisations providing services Citizens Advice facility that The MPA Fisheries Mission said: ‘This rapid and to fishermen, women and their receives an annual grant from depth involvement of those affected by of mobile fishing gears on the seabed. Management Toolkit Fishmongers’ Company’s decision-making. Ultimately, we want to Dr Lowri Evans, Postdoctoral Ecologist, components Fisheries Charitable Trust substantial financial assistance families. Applications should Seafarers UK. SAIL (Seafarers’ for innovative projects to from Seafarers UK for our hard- be made via email to grants@ Advice and Information support fish and seafood pressed fishing communities is seafarers.uk. Guidance to Line), phone 0800 160 1842, businesses, benefiting the most welcome. I am most grateful applicants is available at www. email [email protected], Coronacrisis exacerbating oversupply issues in prawn market fish-catching sector. The for the generous grant to The seafarers.uk or phone 020 7932 website http://sailine.org.uk/ POS say effort and output restrictions will be necessary to restrict supplies

statement from nine was already starting to negatively In terms of returning to therefore united in their belief Coronavirus crisis sees drop in UK landings UK fish producer impact market price during the normality, they say, “Naturally, that a combination of effort Aorganisations (POs)— first quarter of 2020, before the fleet wants to be back at sea, and output restrictions will be ata from the UK’s According to the data, March by 20%, volumes by 16%. had the largest decrease in the the Anglo North Irish, Anglo the effects of the lockdowns in fishing for a fair price, while the necessary to restrict supplies to Marine Management this year saw UK vessels’ By species, at 43% shellfish number of trips. As stated, Scottish, Fife, North East of domestic and export markets fully onshore sector wants to restart an already oversupplied market Organisation (MMO) landed volumes fall by 17% saw the greatest decrease in vessels administered from Scotland, Northern, Northern took hold.” production and see an upswing in due to the ongoing low level of D Irish, Orkney, Scottish Though during April and demand as soon as possible. demand. The reality is that going for March of this year show a to 59,027 tonnes. At 26%, the value, with a reduction in Milford Haven (the entire Fishermen’s Organisation and May most prawn boats tied “And whilst the resumption forward, landings need to balance drop in UK landings, in terms value of these landings fell volume of 29%. By vessel Welsh fleet) had the largest West of Scotland—has warned up, and factories closed, some of activity will at least partly be with the new level of demand of volume and value, coinciding more steeply to £46,563,000. nationality, the Welsh fleet saw decrease in value of 87%. that the significant decrease in boats stayed fishing, “with determined by factors outwith to prevent excess supply ending with the coronavirus crisis. The number of fishing trips by the largest percentage decrease Bucking many of these market demand for Nephrops some supplying buyers at prices industry control, such as up contributing towards the An ad hoc statistical release UK vessels was also down by with value down 87%, volume trends, however, was the due to the coronavirus crisis has that many within the sector lockdown rules in target markets, establishment of a cheaper and, comparing fishing activity 33% to 8,906 trips, compared to by 83%. According to the pelagic sector. According to exacerbated an already precarious have viewed as undermining it is necessary to consider how for some, unviable market.” recorded in March 2020 the same period as last year. MMO, this staggering drop is provisional figures from the oversupply situation within the the market’s pre-existing price a managed, gradual resumption To this end, the POs state compared with that of March Smaller length vessels saw due to the fact that Wales has a MMO, when considering the UK sector. Effort and output structures.” of activity can best be achieved they are currently in talks with 2019, published in response the greatest percentage decrease large proportion of under 10m period from January to March restrictions will be necessary to “One of the roles of UK fish in practice, to avoid filling up prawn processors “to establish to the COVID-19 pandemic in value and quantity, with the vessels that target shellfish in of this year, at 101 thousand restrict supplies, they say. producer organisations (FPOs) cold stores which are already both what the current market to provide timely evidence on value from the under 10m and its fleet. tonnes compared to 65 thousand According to the statement is to help facilitate a level of raw well stocked and putting excess demand requires and what is impacts on commercial sea 10-12m fleet falling by 47 and In terms of volume, at tonnes, mackerel landings by from the POs, “Higher than material supply that matches with downward pressure on quayside viable for vessels, with a view fishing activity, suggests the 60% respectively. Volumes for 89% vessels administered the UK fleet were 56% higher normal landings volumes of market requirements, to support prices, resulting in fishing and to finding a solution that leads global pandemic began to have these vessels fell by 35 and from Shetland had the largest than the same period last year, whole prawns and prawn tails due price integrity throughout the processing becoming unviable. to an acceptable outcome for all an impact on the UK’s fishing 32% respectively, while for the decrease, at 70% vessels due to an increased mackerel to good fishing throughout 2019 supply chain,” the POs highlight. “Affected UK POs are concerned.” industry during March. over 12m fleet values decreased administered from Eyemouth TAC.

18 News INTERNATIONAL JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 INTERNATIONAL News 19

SCOTLAND NEWS Optimism: Post COVID recovery a Phased capacity SCOTLAND’S chance for sector to set standards increase at he recovery period highest global standards in FLAGSHIP FISHERIES SHOW after COVID-19 is a the supply chain and create Peterhead Fish T“golden opportunity” a fit-for-purpose, profitable Market for Scotland’s seafood processing sector that will processors to set the highest complement our sustainable global standards, according fisheries and modern fishing ollowing swift implementation to the sector’s leaders. fleet.” of measures in the face of the Pioneering work on hygiene In a paper, “Securing Fcoronavirus to ensure landings and social distancing to allow Recovery from Covid-19”, could continue, Peterhead Fish continued operation during Mr Buchan said that success Market is now to begin increasing Jimmy Buchan RESCHEDULED the pandemic mark the start would require the support capacity in a phased manner, in line of a drive for excellence, they of both the Scottish and UK of tariff-free trade with the with Sottish Government advice. say. governments in relation to EU beyond December 2020 Peter Duncan, Head of Fishing- Scottish Seafood COVID-19 recovery and will be critically important Commercial, said: “The current SHOW DATES Association (SSA) chief Brexit. to ensure that the COVID-19 segregation of stakeholders and executive Jimmy Buchan “Economic viability will recovery is not crushed. The distancing measures that are in place said: “The impact of be restored through the industry anticipates signs of along with the utilisation of extended COVID-19 on our sector has rebuilding of markets, and the recovery in shellfish markets open walkways between each tier of V 2020 been severe, with demand vast repository of knowledge in particular just as the fish, allows each individual the space 13-14 NO haemorrhaging in both export and understanding of these transition period comes to an to physically distance in the auction and domestic markets since markets that exists within end.” room floor when required. mid-March. Most businesses the sector will be accessible The SSA is also calling for “This has been a crucial factor that SAT 10-4 have been operating at to ministers and officials both governments to involve has allowed Peterhead Fish Market to FRI 10-6 significantly reduced capacity through giving processors’ the sector in the design of the remain operational for the facilitation and some unfortunately have representatives a seat at the replacement for the EMFF, of the whitefish auction during this been forced to close. table when solutions are which it says must be open Covid-19 pandemic. However, there “But as we come out of it, under discussion. to companies of all sizes, not is a need to continually monitor our P&J LIVE, ABERDEEN and with Brexit now just over “A similar level of solely small and medium- operation. Peterhead Fish Market will six months away, we have a engagement is required on sized enterprises, and relax continue to follow the advice set out golden opportunity to set the Brexit, since the maintenance state aid rules. by our government. Our steps will be careful, gradual and incremental as we implement the changes required to return to full capacity of the auction.” Uberous and Fruitful Bough in Fraserburgh Landings at the market dropped last month. Image: Eugene Rutter dramatically in the wake of the coronavirus crisis and corresponding lockdowns. However, Peterhead Port Authority say auctions on Mondays and Fridays have been attracting more vessels landing their catch, and on occasions vessels have had to lay over until the following day. Mr Duncan said: “With this in mind we intend to increase the auction room floor capacity from 5000 boxes to 6500 boxes on Monday and Friday auctions only. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday auctions will remain at the current 5000 box capacity; this can be adjusted if necessary. The For more information on “Currently each vessel is allocated Skipper Expo Int. Aberdeen 50% of its box count for auction Skipper 2020 please contact: floor space, and this will continue on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Additional funding for aquaculture auctions. We will be adjusting space Sharon Boyle allocation to 40% on Mondays and Commercial Fishing Manager Fridays, thus allowing us to increase businesses affected by COVID-19 capacity while keeping the vital Portavogie Harbour. Image by Stephen McKee physical distancing measures and Email: [email protected] t was announced last month that shellfish two of the expansion of Seaforth Mussels on stakeholder segregation in place.” growers and trout producers will receive a the Isle of Harris and around £200,000 for As with all restrictions in place, he Tel: 00353 (0)74 95 48037 Ishare of £800,000 of funding to help make new specialist trout harvesting equipment at concluded, Peterhead Port Authority Mobile: 00353 (0)86 8401250 improvements to their businesses to mitigate the Dawnfresh Seafoods Ltd in Lanark. would continue monitoring the impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic. This investment for small aquaculture situation adjusting where necessary to The grants from the European Maritime businesses is in addition to hardship payments of ensure stakeholders “receive the best Web: www.theskipper.ie SKIPPER EXPO 2020 SCOTTISH and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to 11 aquaculture up to £27,000 which were launched as a direct possible service in the safest possible businesses include nearly £100,000 for phase response to COVID-19 last month. conditions.” 20 News INTERNATIONAL JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 INTERNATIONAL News 21

Fish landings SHETLAND NEWS By Peter Johnson, Chris Cope and Hans J Marter / www.shetnews.co.uk and markets

HITEFISH landings Resolving the Spanish gillnetting issue likely to be ‘one in Shetland are down of the immediate wins of Brexit’ Wby around 40 per cent as a consequence of the industry adapting to the impact of ISHERMEN have again vented perfectly legal under EU law, which has coronavirus. Spanish gillnetter occupying a larger area of sea to the northwest of Shetland their anger and frustration over been rolled over into UK law as part of the With overseas demand for Fthe ongoing and unresolved issue Brexit process. fresh fish disappearing overnight of Spanish gillnetters taking over fishing Changing this behaviour would be “one as a result of the closure of the grounds to the northwest of Shetland. of the immediate wins of Brexit”, Collins UK borders and UK restaurants Shetland Fishermen’s Association said. being told to close at the end of chief officer Simon Collins said the topic “If we are able to leave the transition March, the industry has managed would be one of the first to be negotiated period by the end of this year, the UK and to keep fishing albeit on a much- once the UK has become an independent the Scottish governments will have the reduced level. coastal state. powers to do something about it, and they The pandemic also brought any That is set to happen on 31 December are on board to do that,” he said. outstanding work at Shetland’s this year but in light of the current This could include a stricter licensing two new fish markets to a sudden COVID-19 crisis, it depends on whether system for Spanish vessels wanting to halt just weeks before both the UK seeks an extension to the current fish in UK waters such as fewer vessels, new facilities in Lerwick and transition period. reciprocal deals to allow UK vessels Scalloway would have been ready With lack of demand for crab and lobster the local inshore fleet are feeling the pinch. Shetland-based Resolute out on the Collins said the conflict is nothing new to fish off the Spanish coast, as well as to operate. grounds making the best of a bad situation hauling some buckie pots. Image: Ivan Reid and happens every year. However, with limitations to equipment and fishing times. Shetland Fishermen’s the Scottish whitefish fleet reducing its “We very much object not only to this Association’s chief officer Simon fishing effort to protect prices, Spanish occupation of fishing grounds, which Collins said the whitefish fleet finds itself in whose situation he tasks, for example. vessels are accused of having moved in would not be tolerated if we would do the had to quickly adapt to a radically described as “desperate”. Shetland had been on track big style. same thing off the Spanish coast, but it different set of circumstances He added: “Income for the to get two brand new and much “We feel that the Spanish vessels have is also the aggressive nature with which to prevent oversupply and the fleet is down, but it is too early larger fish markets this spring, taken advantage of this, have moved some of these vessels occupy the grounds danger of prices collapsing. to say what that will mean for the with the Scalloway market having in and occupy more than they would and will try bully us off it,” Collins said. The association’s member year. The [local] shellfish fleet in already been handed over to its otherwise be able to do,” Collins said. “We are only eight months— vessels shared what was available a more difficult position, and the owner Shetland Islands Council He said those vessels’ gill nets were hopefully—away from being able to by tying up voluntarily for half Scottish Government was quick in February when COVID-19 covering up to 300 square miles of seabed resolve this in an amicable and reasonable of April, while as of May a to come in with support. That struck. per vessel and were making it completely way. Scotland-wide scheme has been support is not available for the The Lerwick market, which impossible for local vessels to fish their “It seems astonishing that these vessels introduced that requires fishing whitefish fleet.” is being built at Mair’s Quay home grounds. take advantage of a slightly reduced boats to be tied up for eight Martin Leyland of Shetland for Lerwick Port Authority, And there is particular anger and grief presence on our grounds, a very short- consecutive days in a bid to Seafood Auctions said that was following closely behind. Martin Leyland around Shetland since this conduct is sighted thing to do, and not helpful at all.” reduce fishing effort. currently around 5,000 boxes Both new facilities have been It is a balancing act that were being landed per week, built in response to the steady involves individual fishing which is about 3,000 fewer than growth in whitefish landings, and kind of space and the more open partnerships, fish agent LHD what would normally be sold. the confidence that this would layout in both new markets would as well as the Shetland Fish The reduced volume helps the continue following Brexit. really help in terms of social Local fishermen against any extension of Brexit Producers’ Organisation, fish market operations at Lerwick All that is needed to complete distancing, but you can’t go it at which managed the local quota and Scalloway to comply with both markets is the floor layout the moment.” transition period allocations. social distancing regulations. markings and the essential Shetland Seafood Auctions “It helps to keep prices up, but “The fact we have two fish paperwork from the local also has to wait for its new state it also helps the transport industry markets means that our staff is authority’s environmental health of the art electronic auctioning HE FISHING industry in the transition period we risk be arranged is to have an extra and the wholesale market during already separated, and we are department. equipment to be installed. Shetland has voiced its crashing out without a trade deal, seat and a different flag at the COVID situation. You can’t also working in pairs and not in Victor Sandison of Lerwick Leyland said: “We are also Topposition to suggestions delivering a double whammy the negotiating table, but the have boom and bust, you have groups,” Leyland said. Port Authority said: “We hope to investing in a new web-based by opposition politicians that the just as we try to recover from the arrangements of how it all works to smooth the situation,” Collins Work practices have been be in a position to open the new auction, but this is now also Brexit transition period should be current crisis. are understood,” Collins said. said. adapted accordingly, so hauliers market at the earliest possible on hold. The system would be extended by another two years. “The NHS, food supply chains “If we were required to operate Collins said the whitefish fleet are only allowed in the market opportunity once the remaining allowing a wider range of buyers Shetland Fishermen’s and the economy are all already as an independent coastal state as was not in a hardship situation to fetch fish for onward transport works are complete and it is safe access to the market. However, Association (SFA) said the under huge amounts of pressure. of tomorrow, we could; so for us yet, a marked difference to the to the UK mainland once fish to do so.” it turned out to be a completely industry had been opposed to a People are rightly worried about there is no reason to delay. state the Scottish prawn fleet market staff have completed its Leyland added: “Ideally, that different year.” transition period from day one their loved ones and about their “Whatever decisions are and was ready for the UK to jobs. being made for other parts of become an independent coastal “We need to be able to put the economy, for which we state tomorrow if required. Brexit issues to one side for the can’t speak, as far as fishing is Mussel farming business nets £75,000 grant In the light of the COVID-19 moment, in order to focus on concerned our stance is absolutely Simon Collins crisis and the deep recession protecting the most vulnerable.” clear: we have every intention to forecast for 2020, Liberal But Simon Collins, the SFA’s push the government to deliver, UK is an independent coastal LOCAL mussel farming £18,750 from the Scottish businesses and organisations “This new funding is being Democrats and the SNP have executive officer, said that as at least for fishing, that we are an state and fishing matters be company has been Government. worth over £800,000. awarded to businesses working in been lobbying for an additional far as he could see there was independent coastal state by the devolved to Scotland, the country Asuccessful in attracting EU The grant funding covers Rural economy secretary rural areas who have been hit the delay before the UK leaves the “not much appetite within end of the year. would finally be in a position and Scottish Government funding for half the projected cost of Fergus Ewing said: “COVID-19 hardest by this pandemic, helping EU. the government to extend”, “There is no technical reason to implement measures against to help upgrade a workboat. upgrading one of the company’s has had a devastating impact on them to strengthen their business Welcoming Labour’s support and fishing was a special case why we can’t be. We didn’t the hugely controversial and Scalloway-based Eastvoe workboats. the seafood sector with the market and recover from the loss of for the proposal, Northern Isles anyway. want a transition period and we environmentally damaging Shellfish has secured just over The funding allocation was for some products disappearing markets. MP Alistair Carmichael said: “The institutional arrangements certainly don’t want an gillnet fishing undertaken by a £56,000 in funding from the announced on Saturday as part of almost overnight, leaving many “Aquaculture is an important “Unless the government does have been in place for 40 years. extension.” fleet of Spanish owned vessels in European Maritime and Fisheries the latest round of EMFF funding businesses at risk of financial part of our food and drink success the right thing and extends The only thing that needs to Collins added that once the Shetland and Scottish waters. Fund (EMFF) plus a further for a number of Scottish shellfish ruin. story which we need to preserve.” 22 News INTERNATIONAL JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 INTERNATIONAL News 23

ORKNEY NEWS By Craig Taylor ICELAND NEWS By Gudjón Einarsson Challenging time for the Orkney fishing industry during the Lumpfish season abruptly stopped

COVID-19 pandemic ishermen along the western coast and catch. So, it is Olympic fishing within the the West Fjords of Iceland became frame of the allowed fishing days. This year HE coronavirus pandemic “In recent years they have come particularly with high value species summer as they become more furious after the Minister of Fisheries the season started on March 10. In total, continues to hit the fishing closer and one of the problems is like monkfish taking a huge price fall. vulnerable to dying in transit. F ordered on May 3 a shutdown of this 250 lumpfish licenses were issued but only Tindustry hard, with both the the long soak times when gear sits Although boats are finding plenty of “There have been local deliveries of year’s lumpfish season without a warning. 58 boats used 40-44 days at sea. 57 boats inshore fleet and trawler operators in the water blocking off access for fish the poorer prices are affecting the live crab, lobster, prawns and scallops According to their licenses, they were managed to use 20 days or less and some affected by a collapse in markets due trawlers. There is also a significant share in pay to crew.” going out to households in Orkney allotted 44 fishing days but many had only did not start fishing at all. to so many hospitality businesses plastic pollution and ghost fishing On fish and shellfish sales, she also so a positive is that the Orkney managed a few trips to the fishing grounds, being shut down. problem that can mean abandoned explained: “Locally there has been public are rediscovering the top quality and some had not even started laying their Follows scientific advice The whitefish fleet agreed to gear can drift or be picked up in nets a surge in fresh fish deliveries for seafood that normally heads off south nets when they got the bad news. a tie-up period in May, however, anywhere.” haddock. For the shellfish sector the or abroad. Folk are getting the chance The Minister has been under pressure there has been criticism from some On fishing operations, she said: problems are that most buyers and to eat the freshest best quality seafood Fishing surprisingly good to increase the total allowable catch in that foreign netters are using this to “The Keila has been fishing at processors are either closed still or you can get anywhere.” their advantage. This, however, was Rockall, but as the quality of haddock working at severely reduced capacity. She concluded: “Many boats are order to solve this unexpected problem causing more of an issue for our declines out there due to spawning a Buckies are still being taken by some using this time to do maintenance The reason for this awkward situation but has refused, asserting he will adhere to neighbours in Shetland, explained lot of boats will be moving off that buyers but there is very little in terms and repairs, paint and other jobs. was that the fishery along the north-east scientific advice. He has also been criticised Fiona Matheson, secretary of the ground. of any quantity of other species like At OFA are already focussing on and east coast turned out to be extremely for not stopping the fishery in the north Orkney Fisheries Association (OFA), “An eight day trawl tie up has been velvet crab and brown crab being the recovery and how best to make good, and likewise the weather, so the total and north-east in time so there would have who also gave an overview of the agreed for the month of May only landed. Orkney’s fishing fleet fit for the allowable catch of 4,646 tons had already been enough left for others, but since a situation in May. at this stage anyway, and this has “For the prawn fleet the issue is next 10-20 years, because even with been caught at the beginning of May. As a situation like this has not occurred before She said: “The problems that been initiated by the POs (producers that cold stores are full of prawns COVID there will still be a fishery in rule, the lumpfish does show up a little later the authorities do not seem to have been the Shetlanders are getting are not organisations) to try and stabilise and so prices offered are very low Orkney waters, we just need to make off the west coast and therefore the season prepared. affecting us so much here as the the landings into the fish markets as and will continue to be so as long as sure we have the boats and the skills there had not fully started when the Minister whitefish fleet tend to fish further off well as the price. There have been buyers have full stores. continuing into the next phase to help put an end to it. Minister wants a quota system towards the north east edge where the some very volatile prices in the “The velvet fishery would feed our community and the wider liners don’t go. markets since the COVID crisis hit normally tail off a bit towards the public.” Olympic fishing The Minister wants to abolish the present system regarding the fishing of lumpfish and Fishing in Iceland is for the most wants to introduce a system of transferable part managed by a system of individual quotas as is the case in almost all other transferable quotas. The lumpfish is an fisheries in Iceland. That would solve this Aalskere impresses on first trip The Aalskere. Image: Craig Taylor exception to the rule. Everyone can apply problem for good, he maintains. Many of New trawler at Rockall for the first time for a lumpfish license and each year the the fishermen are opposed to that idea. Minister decides the number of allowed The export value of lumpfish products fishing days based on advice from the from Iceland in 2019 amounted to €18 RKNEY’S brand new trawler second trip. Marine and Fresh Water Research Institute million Euros, mostly for the roe, but 3.8 Lumpfish roe Aalskere recently put in her first Following that trip, Mr Harcus which also recommends the total allowable million for the flesh of the fish. Otrip, with skipper Iain Harcus said that the boat would be heading and crew catching 1570 boxes out at back home to tie up as part of a fleet Rockall. agreement, in the hope that market With the fish landed in Ullapool, prices improve for catches during the the 35m long stern trawler boat turned coronavirus crisis which has seen market around and headed back out on her demand and fish prices hit a serious low. Top Catcher

n the good old days which captain in each port and the individual transferable when captain Pétur Pétursson when there were no catch in the country as a whole would quota system in 1984, the title and his crew on the boat Bárdur Safe return of stranded seafarers must be an urgent priority Irestrictions, most of the be honoured as Aflakóngar Aflakóngur stopped being SH from the Snaefellsnes cod in Iceland was caught in (literally Catch Kings) or the relevant since the total catch of peninsula on the west coast of gillnets during the winter season Top Catchers of the season, a captain or a boat is not based Iceland managed to catch 2,311 RKNEY and Shetland physical and mental health. and loved ones.” situation faced by seafarers who from January to mid-May. a highly prestigious title. In only on efficiency anymore but tons in gillnets from January MP, Alistair Carmichael, Commenting in late May, Mr He continued: “The merchant face physical and mental exhaustion People from all over the country those days, quantity rather than also on how much quota each 1 to May 11. This is an all- Ohas backed a cross-party Carmichael said: “The challenges of navy has a longstanding connection during this time. flocked to the southwestern quality was the measure of vessel owner has acquired. Still, time record in a winter season, parliamentary motion calling for COVID-19 are concerning enough to the Northern Isles. They play a “Working conditions for the safe return of UK merchant without having family members vital role in our economy, still more merchant navy workers cannot be part of the country to take part success. it is considered noteworthy in even the famous Catch Kings navy sailors stranded by global stranded offshore. Repatriation of so during the current crisis. Supply ignored in this crisis. We know in the fishery and make good the media when a captain and of the good old days were not COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. UK citizens has been a significant lines are more important than there has been a temptation on the money. Traditionally, the final Not relevant anymore his crew do extremely well nearly as successful. Bárdur is a The motion recognises that an challenge during this crisis and the ever. The government should sign part of some maritime employers day of the season was May 11. during the winter season. 27-meter fibreglass boat built in estimated 2000 mariners have been government should not forget about up to the International Maritime in the past to take any opportunity Subsequently, it was announced With the introduction of That was the case this season Denmark in 2019. trapped on board their ships for an seafarers as part of this. Ministers Organisation’s plan to ensure to undermine pay and conditions. extended period and the significant must act to ensure the safe return of crew changeovers can resume. We need a strong stance from the effect this will have on their merchant navy staff to their families Delaying this will only worsen the government against this.”

Orkney creel boats pictured at Whitefish boats Gemma Jane, Russa Taign and Keila Tingwall. Image: Craig Taylor pictured tied up in Kirkwall. Image: Craig Taylor

Bárður SH Skipper Pétur Pétursson 24 News BOATS, GEAR AND PRODUCTS JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 BOATS, GEAR AND PRODUCTS News 25

Online deliveries keep Time to go green with G Smyth Boats back at work Engine Solutions Ltd the supply chain going Smyth Boats Ltd for G Smyth Boats for reopened on May the yard’s new catamaran at CH Marine G 6th. After being design. Down at the fitout closed for almost 6 weeks and repair plant the team are due to the COVID-19 busy completing a Cygnus H Marine’s significant pandemic, Gerry decided Cyclone for Skerries, Dublin, investment in their website that it was time to get which at the time of writing Cand online market came to back to work! And so, is near ready for launching. fruition during the COVID crisis as after stocking up on the The Cygnus Cyclone is the they were well placed to continue required PPE and adopting a second boat the Kilkeel yard the supply of essential items to the number of changes to work has completed for the owner, fishing industry. CH Marine has procedures, the staff were who has just recently sold seen considerable growth in the briefed and, operating under the GM7M G Smyth Boats volume of orders and they report a strict COVID guidelines, all Ltd built for him in 2012. complete acceptance that ordering at the busy Kilkeel yard got Busy as always, the yard online is the way to go. With free back into it. is also working on 2 Maxus delivery on orders over €50 and At the moulding plant, 12m catamarans that are next day delivery in most instances, Andrew Deacy, Engine Solutions busy work has commenced in almost complete, and another at the Scottish Skipper Expo last year earnest on the moulding of has been brought in for a the internet can be a more cost- Cygnus Cyclone near ready Work started back in the busy effective and timely method of a Maxus 14m Catamaran partial fitout before heading for launch Kilkeel yard on May 6th hull – the first 14m hull to England. supply, while at the same time being safe in this pandemic era. ffering green solutions the dead bug and suspending Supply tends to be in the PPE to the marine industry, it in the fuel to be burnt off. or parts sector with Guy Cotton & OEngine Solutions Ltd are Aderco cleans the fuel tank fuel Helly Hansen Workwear showing Ireland’s sole importers of YC pump and injectors, while also Good trip for noticeable growth as most people Engines, Genets, Aderco organic keeping the fuel filters from are aware of their size in these fuel treatments, Addinol oil clogging up, and is authorised by Orkney’s Aalskere ranges and can simply re-order long drain and Micfil filtration all engine manufacturers. with confidence. Other items systems. A high performing oil for a ust finished up three trips coming to attention are essential YC Engines are a German variety of applications, made in and tying up until markets design very robust stronger Germany, Addinol oil is a long power management products such improve, the new Aalskere engine, with a wide range drain oil for engines, gearboxes, J has been proving her fishing as Victron chargers and inverters, of power and size for the hydraulics. With testing, Micfil as well as safety electronics in credentials off Rockall since commercial industry: 50hp to filtration and Addinol oil April, despite the current crisis. the form of Ocean Signal and 4500hp, 4 cylinder, straight 6 together can prolong the life of McMurdo PLBs and EPIRBS. Here, See page 22 for report by Craig Aalskere fish hold with over 1600 boxes First haul at the Rock twin rigging. cylinder, straight 8 cylinder, the oil for thousands of working Taylor. next day delivery to most parts of straight 9 cylinders and v12 hours. German designed and Images courtesy of Sean Glackin, Malin Ireland is often a very satisfactory v16. Both the 8 and 9 cylinder manufactured, Micfil has oil solution. engines are 1000hp upwards, filtration and fuel flirtation to Often, when buying online, giving you more room in your suit all applications. returns are a big concern. What engine room than the v cylinder Operating a 24 service to the SeaQuest Systems continues to push ahead happens if the garment doesn’t fit engines. Cheaper to service, industry, with these products or there is some other reason to cheaper to run and lighter in Engine Solutions Ltd. is helping reland’s leading company for the design MFV Finnur Fridi is to receive delivery Some of the future packages to be bring it back? This is not a problem weight, there is also a wide the industry reduce their carbon & manufacture of deck equipment, in the coming months of a new SeaQuest delivered by SeaQuest Systems include: at CH Marine, as they use An Post’s range of engines for the smaller footprint, reduce waste and save SeaQuest Systems continues to push Powerblock crane. As usual with SeaQuest • MFV Antarctic, Karstensens Skibsvaerft, commercial and pleasures money. I ‘Return my shopping’ service. ahead, with deck equipment for Irish & Cranes, sections of the cranes are modified to Denmark Simply download a label at www. vessels. Time to go green? foreign markets proving to be more & more suit the vessel allowing the maximum usage • MFV Gitte Henning, Astilleros returnmyshopping.ieg and drop Aderco fuel treatment is an Contact Engine Solutions Ltd popular within the fishing & aquaculture for the end-user. Zamakona S.A, Spain into your nearest Post Office. This service has also proved organic treatment that kills the at [email protected] sectors. Following on from DanFish in October, • NB71, Atlantic Dawn Group, Cemre invaluable for sending lifejackets to CH Marine’s Service bug in the fuel, breaking down or phone 087 9280232 Currently in production at the Killybegs Karstensens Skibsvaerft has ordered a new Marin, Turkey Centre for based factory, are a number of projects for Powerblock crane for a refurbishment project • MFV Juvel, Oman servicing. Ireland, the UK, Turkey, Faroe Islands, on the MFV Stella Nova, (ex. Carmona). At For more info on any of our upcoming, Guy Cotton, Engine Solutions are Ireland’s sole Denmark and Oman. Recently expanding the request of the owners, this crane will present or past projects, visit the project famously known importers of YC Engines, Genets, production capabilities—both in terms of be fitted with a custom-sized Powerblock section of our website www.seaquest.ie/ in the fishing Aderco organic fuel treatments, building & machinery—has allowed SeaQuest arrangement. projects Addinol oil long drain and Micfil to build ever bigger equipment, as seen on industry, has filtration systems been very busy MV Grip Arctic during 2019 with the crane delivered measuring in at 25m in length. redeveloping Already, 2020 has proven extremely busy their ranges and for the company, with the final assembly well there has been a underway on equipment for the next vessel to continuous supply be completed at Mooney boats for the Atlantic of new releases Dawn Group. The MFV Ella is to receive a including some full SeaQuest Systems deck machinery & breathable items. hydraulic package, including winches, net Featured here drums, Powerblock crane, hydraulic systems, are the Barossa along with SeaQuest hose reels & 14-inch fish and Chinook, so pump. next time you are Alongside this, are packages, also for the looking for new Atlantic Dawn Group, to be delivered to oilskins give CH Cemre Marin in Turkey. These new vessels Marine’s online will be supplied with SeaQuest cranes, hose service a try! reels, 24-inch fish pumps, and hydraulic SeaQuest Systems continues to push ahead, with deck equipment for Irish & foreign markets systems. 26 News BOATS, GEAR AND PRODUCTS JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 BOATS, GEAR AND PRODUCTS News 27

Work begins at Zamakona on new Gitte Henning New Kongsberg designed freezer trawler is ready to start Gitte Henning, artists impression through reduced energy consumption have been at the fishing in the Arctic fore in terms of the decisions that have been made relating to he latest vessel by and bottom trawling. These The Kongsberg designed NVC 375 WP freezer trawler the vessel’s design and choice of Kongsberg to enter assets lead to outstanding Ilivileq combines safety, efficiency and sustainability. equipment. Tservice, an 81.80m hourly catch capacity and “This new build represents NVC 375 WP freezer trawler quality, allied with minimal our consolidation as one of named Ilivileq, has just been environmental impact. the main shipbuilding yards delivered to its working domain With the hull, Ilivileq’s into the pelagic trawler market in Arctic waters. hybrid propulsion system after delivery of 7 vessels for Typifying the principles makes for a substantial shipowners in Scotland, and on which the NVC range reduction in fuel usage and thus it is a very important was conceived the vessel operational noise (both milestone for us,” said Pedro combines an economical and onboard and into the water) Garaygordobil, Chairman of environmentally beneficial by allowing crews to engage Zamakona Yards. foundation of low emissions either mechanical or diesel/ “The project progresses in and fuel-efficient operation, electric drive modes. The good cooperation with the with a freeboard of optimal trawler’s green credentials customer and with the designer height to ensure crew are further enhanced with the Salt Ship Design.” safety, teamed with modern, integration of the most cutting- The whole steel blocks for the responsible fish-handling edge nitrogen oxide reduction amakona Yards have month. two propellers and a twin-skeg vessel will be manufactured at solutions. technology. begun work on the The new Gitte Henning will hull design, and permanent the yard’s facilities in Bilbao, The low-resistance, wave- Kongsberg Maritime’s power generation technology, for energy and power new Gitte Henning AS, have several environmentally magnet motors for propulsion. Spain. Assembly of the ship piercing hull maximises emphasis on system integration the company has also supplied management, pump and Z friendly features, several of them with steel cutting for the new Improving the quality of the sections at the slipway is the vessel’s speed, comfort is reflected in Ilivileq’s a manoeuvring system (steering valve control, and alarm and vessel starting as scheduled last new in pelagic fishing, including fish and reducing emissions scheduled to commence in July. and seakeeping qualities, full complement of system gear, flap rudder, tunnel bow monitoring capabilities; plus while Ilivileq’s design packages. In addition to thruster and Helicon X3 remote key items of deck machinery flexibility will enable its crews equipping the vessel with control); an ACON automation including an electrical winch to undertake both pelagic hybrid propulsion and electrical system incorporating modules system. Evac Evolution ballast water management system chosen for Irish Lights vessel Production Underway for Innovative MDI Napier designed Whitefish Trawler

The Evac Evolution attained fter considerable will be noted as a departure perform when loaded, hopefully cabin with private shower ILV Granuaile to be installed with Evac Evolution BWMS IMO and U.S. Coast Guard development, production from recent trends and while it to a deep draught. room maximises privacy and Approval last year, opening Ais underway on the comes with some compromises The crew accommodation uninterrupted rest. the way to worldwide sales. new design 16.49m registered in machinery space and exhaust is well separated from the Steel is now in production for Based on a combination of whitefish trawler for Ian Mackay routing it is fundamental to machinery reducing noise while build at C Toms & Sons on what filtration and UV technology, of Kinlochbervie. At 19.7m the clean hull lines aft, and the still giving easy access to the is hoped to be a vessel offering the space-saving system overall, the third vessel to reduction of trim throughout aft deck and processing shelter a progressive step in comfort is energy effective and be named “Loch Inchard” is the voyage, so that the carefully through a hanging and changing and efficiency while maintaining completely chemical-free. It maximising the length available considered hull continues to area. A separate skipper’s class-topping capacity. has a ‘feedback loop’ which from the recent change in uses UV transmission as registered length formula. the parameter for precisely Designed by Glasgow based MAIN PARTICULARS determining UV dosage. naval architects Marine Design LENGHT OVERALL 19.70M LENGTH REGISTERED 16.49M This ensures effectiveness in International Ltd (trading as BEAM 7.20M challenging water conditions MDI Napier), the vessel’s DEPTH 3.90M but saves on power during design ethos is derived from the normal running. successful Napier designs of the Effective in fresh, brackish “Oruna” and “Demarus”. While and seawater, the Evac heavily modernised for increased

RD Evolution system enables gear, power and capacity as well INCHA vac, the world’s leading and accommodates a crew of won the BWMS order for LOCH ÿ 2 ∞

2 5 vessels to operate without as regulatory compliance there 0 2 provider of integrated 16. a vessel which has such an 0 Ewater and waste The vessel’s primary important role in maintaining restriction. The system is was a drive to maintain the easily management systems, as well function is to place and service safety at sea and protecting available with capacities from driven hull and surprisingly high

as corrosion protection systems 150 offshore buoys, which the marine environment”, said 34m3/hr to 1,500m3/hr in a bollard pull demonstrated in her FRESH WATER FRESH P&S for the marine, offshore, and warn mariners of the location Adam Rogers, Evac’s Head of single unit. It can be supplied predecessors. ICE WATER LOCKER building industries, recently of sandbanks, reefs and other Global Sales for Ballast Water in modular form for retrofits During the design 3M≥ BOW THRUSTER secured a contract with the offshore hazards. Management Systems. or skid mounted for newbuild development, two computational FUEL 1P, 1S, Commissioners of Irish The vessel also provides The vessel will be installed applications. fluid dynamic (CFD) systems 2P, 2S Lights. The Evac Evolution support for the teams tasked with an Evac Evolution system The Evac Evolution system were used to optimise the ballast water treatment with maintaining a further with the capacity to treat has been fitted on vessels underwater hull shape which Profile system (BWMS) will be 65 lighthouses and beacons ballast water at a rate of up to including cruise ships, was married with the owners’ 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 installed on the Irish Lights around the coast of Ireland and 250m3/hr. The components container vessels, research experience and preferences for IF IN DOUBT ASK! +44(0)141 816 4000

aid to navigation vessel, ILV Northern Ireland. In addition, will be supplied in modular ships, offshore supply vessels the deck and gear layout, with TITLE LOCH INCHARD III, YARD NO. T140 Granuaile. the ship supports the national form enabling them to be and cable laying craft where its consideration of crew comfort GENERAL ARRANGEMENT

4 THIS DRAWING AND THE INFORMATION IT CONTAINS ARE THE PROPERTY OF MARINE DESIGN INTERNATIONAL With a length of 79.69m, the response to maritime wreck distributed to make the best use small footprint and potential and safety as well as efficient LTD. IT IS NOT TO BE TRACED, COPIED, PUBLISHED OR USED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT. 3 PAGE SIZE: A4 DRAWN BY: AH PLAN No.: Ship is equipped with advanced and new dangers to navigation. of available space within the for flexible installation have fishing operations. 2 SCALE: 1:100 DATE: 15/05/20 1 MD2241-101 dynamic positioning equipment “We are delighted to have engine room. proved to be important assets. The forward engine room MODIFICATION DATE ISSUE: A CHECKED: SC LOCH INCHARD III 28 News BOATS, GEAR AND PRODUCTS JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 BOATS, GEAR AND PRODUCTS News 29

Crew’s backs are spared by mechanising pot fishing vessel KK Hydraulics: A chance encounter and some stainless 2 ton potting units “It can’t be compared with before” – Thomas Jensen, skipper on the chance encounter and islands. pot from Yorkshire swapped fishing vessel Wicki-Alex with a man from the Since lockdown, we have for a valve, or indeed the fine n light of the current Isle of Tiree looking been exchanging tunes and feed of claws and pollock in Wicki-Alex fishes pots for A coronavirus pandemic and for his father’s boat, the songs, stories and virtual cups exchange this morning for a set whelk, brown crab and lobster the impact it’s having on n a project, funded by the EMFF, a we had to stop, because the crew was Skipinnish Maid, led the Kelly of coffee, promises of travel of wear plates all the way from I businesses across the fisheries local blacksmith in the coastal city of fatigued. Now we can just go on and on.” brothers, Willie and Jake to these remote corners and Quilty. So, common goodwill Hundested, Denmark has been put to The design is to a high degree invented sector, we wanted to see if we I from KK Hydraulics Ltd to its engaging with their people and and a more reflective look at can help. If there is anything work to relieve the crew of heavy lifts in by the skipper Jensen and the company whereabouts, tied to the pier in cultures. life and the world. we can do in these worrying their daily fishing for whelk. The project Aquamind, that specialises in solutions their local port of Fenit. Calum Iain McCorquodale, It’s not about a bank balance times, please let us know. aims to prioritise the crew’s health and well- for fishing boats. The design involves line Now in the safe hands of the fisherman and accordion or the stock market. It’s about being, so that that the fishery is attractive guides, new placement of winch, to avoid James family from Ballyheigue, virtuoso from the island of smiling and staring a man in the Do you have a new product, also in ten years from now. lifting the pots of the winch. The sorting Angus MacPhail arrived the Uist, is now a regular facetime eye, with the knowledge that solution, or service you’re H410 Wicki-Alex is fishing with pots for table and the washing machine is integrated following Friday. Willie picked session player with Willie. you helped in some way. With trying to promote to the whelk, brown crab and lobsters combined and transports the catch away from the him up from Cork Airport, and Just this week, Leslie Tulloch survival of the industry have a fishing industry? Do you need with gillnetting for sole and cod. The fishing fisherman while cleaning for barnacles, the search for many years came from Shetland ordered some listen to Skipinnish’s Last of the help promoting an existing for whelk has grown to be a larger part of algae and sand. to an emotional end. A few days equipment – he plays with Hunters, and the Kellys will see product or service? Do you the annual catch as the price for round fish The payback time for a system like this is of music and drams followed. Shetland band Rack n’ Ruin. you all sometime soon and stare have an innovative idea that has been varying. Skipper, Thomas Jensen about 1 year with pre-corona prices. Angus is the founder member We have come to realise that you in the eye. (By the way, we might help the industry hopes to catch around 200 tonnes of whelk Fishing with pots is sustainable and can of the famous Scottish group it’s not about the euro or the have plenty of stainless 2 ton through these tough times? Do this year, a task he expects will be easier be lucrative, but it is a hard physical job and Skipinnish, Willie plays with pound, it’s not about Brexit or potting units!) you have some news that you now. often the crew’s backs, hands and fingers the much-travelled Irish band Europe, it’s about the survival Willie and Jake, feel the industry should hear? “It’s simply not comparable with before. are injured when the heavy pots are moved Spaílpín. A friendship was of this beautiful industry. And KK Hydraulics, Simply email editorial@ The mechanization has meant that the crew around the ship. This reputation is believed founded. The MacPhail family we all have a role to play. www.kkhydraulics.ie maramedia.ie with your news, can work the entire day without being to be scaring away interested fishermen. were having a new boat finished We have formed new and and we will make every effort exhausted. No one is worn out. Furthermore This project can hopefully convince at Murphy Marine in Valentia. lasting friendships. I can talk to post it on The Skipper’s it was also more dangerous before, now the fishermen that fishing with pots can be done One of KK Hydraulics 17 freely to Mike Green on the website for our audience to pot just lands on the table, without bouncing without injuries from heavy lifts. inch 2 ton complete stainless Isle of Harris about putting see. Since launching www. around. It’s incomparable!” he says. Data from the last two years show that units was put on a pallet and nail varnish on his motor shaft theskipper.ie last autumn we’ve ”In regards to efficiency; We are not there is a 5% increase in pot handled after https://bit.ly/2ZfiNNW dispatched to the Isle of Harris to prevent pitting, a recipe had more than 130,000 hits fishing faster than before but we are getting the instalment, which corresponds to a 7% For further info contact: Mikkel to Murdo Kennedy for fitting. for sourdough bread from from visitors right around the a better product with the washing machine increase in earnings per trip. Villadsen: +45 40594423, Aquamind mkv@ This story is as much about Newhaven, the beautiful shanty world. and we can work for much longer. Before A video from the project is available at: aquamind.dk stainless pot haulers as it is I was given by a potting man about the cultural connections from Cornwall, the packet of You can also send a direct between us all – Ireland, wildflower seed from the wife KK Hydraulics are Irish message to our social media distributors for the Hyrdoslave Scotland, England, Wales and of a bass fisherman close to the range of marine equipment accounts: O’Sullivan’s Marine: Suppliers of Safety Equipment eligible for the surrounding Celtic states Kilgetty roundabout, a willow • Instagram: www. instagram.com/the_ Grant Aid under Fleet Safety Scheme skipper_editor/ • Facebook: www.facebook. New Products and Special Offers at com/TheSkipperOnline/ Range of Distress Flares: GPS, O’Sullivan’s Marine offers You can also browse some of • Twitter: twitter.com/ Designed to withstand excellent value for money. what O’Sullivan’s Marine has Barry Electronics Ltd SkipperEditor exceptional environmental to offer on their website: http:// exposure and to perform reliably Compact Folding Lifejacket www.osmarine.ie For advertising contact arry Electronics Ltd, based in Killybegs, investment that is being put into this product even after immersion in water, SOLAS LSA Code 2016: Not all stock items may [email protected] with the longest expiry dates LALIZAS COMPACT 2016 be listed online so contact Co Donegal have new products and by Marport. One of the most successful trawl special offers to announce to the Irish systems on the Irish market, we are looking available in the business… also series of Compact Folding O’Sullivan’s Marine with your B We understand these available are a range of distress individual Code of Practice or market. forward to continuing success with this in the Lifejackets SOLAS, for adults are trying times. Whatever flares that conform to SOLAS 74, safety requirements, and they Furuno has launched several new products future. The image below shows a Marport Twin and children, fully complies with happens amidst the great as amended. will be delighted to put a tailored that will be of interest to the Irish market, rig system in operation. new regulations, mandatory for uncertainty we all face, over ’Sullivan’s Marine is one all lifejackets used on-board quotation together of quality including the FSS-3BB Fish Species ID Barry Electronics is pleased to announce of the leading suppliers products – at exceptional value echosounder. Following the highly successful also that Telenor has a special offer on Thor the coming months we will Fire Fighting Equipment: Community ships. strive to continue to serve of not just boats, engines From fire axes and fire for money. FSS-1BB which identifies mid-water fish 7 Airtime. A service that is very popular on O acoustically, the FSS-3BB is a higher-powered smaller vessels using the Sailor 60cm antenna, the industry as best as we can and trailers, but also a vast range blankets to dry powder fire SOLAS Hydrostatic Release across our various platforms, of high quality, and competitively extinguishers from 1kg to 9kg, sounder with a lot more features. Furuno has the offer is on 2MB and 4MB packages from Units for EPIRBs and Liferafts: from the print edition to our priced chandlery and safety Marine multi-purpose dry powder Hammar Hydrostatic Release also introduced the SX20/21 GPS compass for June 1st until December 31st, 2020. products that comply with Code and CO2 fire extinguishers smaller fishing vessels and leisure boats, which For further information call 0749731215 or social media accounts and H20 for EPIRB- (MCA&USCG website. of Practice requirements for grant with pressure gauge suitable for Approved SOLAS) and Hammar eliminates problems with internal fluxgate email [email protected] In this regard, we would purposes under the Fleet Safety suppression of fires caused by Hydrostatic Release H20 for Life compasses and is priced accordingly for like to take the opportunity to Scheme. flammable liquids, gases, oils, Rafts (USCG&EC Approved the smaller boat owner. The company A small sample of products ordinary solid combustibles and SOLAS). has also launched the Furuno M1815 thank you for your continued available include: energized electrical equipment, 8.4” Colour Radar. Ideal for vessels support. The industry is O’Sullivan’s Marine has a full Alongside the above, O’ under 12m, the radar is easy to install, resilient, it has been through SOLAS Approved Lifebuoys: range of firefighting equipment. Sullivan’s Marine have a vast simple to operate and has an excellent tough times before. We are Designed for pleasure and range of chandlery and safety clear picture. here to help you through this commercial usage, featuring an Handheld and Fixed VHF products as well as marine Following Marport’s successful Apple and if there is something we orange cross-linked polyethene Radios: electronics from Garmin, Mac/Scala combination, they have now can do to help your business outer shell that will not With a wide range of Raymarine and NASA marine released Scala 2, which shows you we will. deteriorate and is unaffected VHF radios to choose instruments, and can offer expert graphically what sensors are seeing and Though the current by extreme weather conditions from, O’Sullivan’s Marine is advice on all areas relating to the how the trawl is behaving graphically situation is unprecedented, CE approved to SOLAS (L.S.A the main distributor of Cobra marine industry. Please contact in an easy to visualise screen. Existing we have no doubt that by Code), O’Sullivan’s Marine have Marine Radios in Ireland. From O’Sullivan’s Marine on 066- Scala systems can easily be updated, Marport Scala 2 supporting one another we will a range of Lifebuoys, Lifebuoy floating handheld VHF radios to 7124524 or Email: sales@ demonstrating the development and all manage to come through cases and accessories available. fixed VHF radios with built-in osmarine.ie this. 30 News MARINE INSTITUTE JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 EUROPE News 31

DIAS scientists collect unique data from the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy ignores Fishing pressure bottom of the Atlantic Ocean management achievements in North-East aunched May 20th the strategy contains strong that the combined effects of Atlantic reduced Recordings of earthquakes migration patterns of the Earth’s by the Commission, binding targets for fishing, Brexit, the expansion of offshore and the songs of the great whales largest animals and their acoustic the EU’s Biodiversity other maritime industries with wind farms, 30 per cent MPAs by almost half in LStrategy 2030 ignores fisheries large carbon footprints (e.g. alongside other environmental environment, known to be Dr Lebedev said the data crucially important for them.” management achievements, is oil, gas, shipping) and which EU regulations such as just two decades discriminatory and undermines disrupt ecosystems “are not Natura2000, could restrict access captured by the seismometers over the viability of the fishing sector, even mentioned.” Europêche to traditional fishing grounds to the past 19 months will shed light Vast offshore territory says European fishing body qualifies this as “discriminatory the point that fishermen would on the nature, occurrence, and Europêche. treatment”. have nowhere to fish, which in ood news for fish in the frequency of earthquakes off our Dr. Lebedev went on to Underpinning the new Alongside this, according turn would reduce productivity, recently published Scientific, coast, and is fundamental to our highlight: “Many people do not strategy which “aims to put to the European fishing body, ultimately leading to increased Technical and Economic understanding of them. realise how vast Ireland’s offshore Europe’s biodiversity on a consideration of the socio- reliance on imports. GCommittee for Fisheries’ (STECF) “The current nature and history territory is. In fact, 90 per cent of path to recovery by 2030 with economic consequences of On top of this, the proposal annual report on the performance of the ocean floor along Ireland’s Ireland’s territory is offshore, most benefits for people, the climate the “disproportionate targets to phase out bottom trawling of the Common Fisheries Policy coast is key to our understanding of it to the west of the country. and the planet”, are 2030 targets are clearly missing since the “would prevent the use of one (CFP), which indicates pressure on “Far beneath the ocean waves, which include increasing the strategy will consider impact of the most common, certified, stocks in the North-East Atlantic EU’s protected areas (on land assessments only as a second regulated and researched fishing there are spectacular mountains and at sea) to 30 per cent of step.” It is crucial, they say, gears in Europe. Bottom- dropped substantially between 2003 and deep valleys, with steep slopes Europe’s sea and landmass, that other effective area based trawling is the only viable way and 2018. and elevation drops of up to four designating ten per cent of the conservation measures are of fishing for key species such as On average, the analysis indicates, kilometres. There are also many for all the stocks evaluated in this area, Sergei Lebedev. Image: SEA-SEIS Team seas as no-take zones (i.e. zones considered on an equal footing sole, megrim, plaice, Greenland extinct volcanoes, similar to those where no fishing can take place). with MPAs and developed halibut, shrimps and Nephrops fishing pressure has been reduced by that formed the Giant’s Causeway. Additional proposals involve in close cooperation with which are fished at MSY levels.” almost half in the last two decades, “The SEA-SEIS project aims reducing fishing mortality to fishermen given the tremendous Considering these, with most now reaching maximum nique ocean-bottom to uncover new insights about or under maximum sustainable socio-economic costs of these Europêche has called on the sustainable yield levels (MSY). As a recordings of North this territory. It is the first project yield (MSY) levels, increasing measures. EU Parliament and Member consequence, fish populations have Atlantic earthquakes ever to deploy a network of offshore wind development, and “Closing off parts of the States “to send the proposal seen significant benefits – increasing U phasing out bottom trawling. ocean to fishing actually back to the Commission for and the songs of great baleen seismometers across such a large Emphasising the “well- conflicts with fundamental full revision, so as to include by 50 per cent between 2010 and 2018. whales offshore Ireland have area of the North Atlantic. The developed” and “effective” Sustainable Development the full cost of the policy in Since 2012, recruitment levels, been obtained thanks to one of results of the expedition will play fisheries management Goals such as increasing food terms of impacts by the new which show the number of young the boldest deep-ocean research a crucial role in furthering our fishermen and women in the security and reducing poverty users of space, intensification fish entering stocks, have also projects ever undertaken in understanding of the structure, EU operate under, Europêche – both of which require the of fishing in limited space, increased consistently. That said, Europe. evolution, and seismicity of say the Commission’s use of the ocean,” said Daniel reduction of fishing pressure and uncertainties here do exist, there are strategy fails to appreciate the Voces, Managing Director of food production, elimination The SEA-SEIS project, led by DIAS survey 1. Image: SEA-SEIS Team Ireland’s offshore territory.” ecoregion variations in success rates, scientists from the Dublin Institute huge improvements in fish Europêche. of trawling without a viable and the report highlights more work for Advanced Studies (DIAS), Engagement with schools populations that have occurred “We are shocked to read alternative and impact on is still needed, particularly in the deployed a network of state-of- on the back of management that while fishing would be exporting the environmental Mediterranean. Overall, however, the expedition was time-critical: if we efforts, highlighting the latest heavily restricted or closed in debt of the EU to developing the-art ocean bottom seismometers of how the Atlantic evolved and The ocean bottom scientific figures which indicate protected areas, offshore wind countries.” analysis indicates trends are heading in across the Irish offshore area, didn’t retrieve the equipment in is evolving, and this is important seismometers collected will be there are 50 per cent more fish farms will be permitted and even “If the strategy is not a positive direction. to the west of Ireland, in 2018. the past weeks, we risked losing for better understanding both familiar to many secondary- in the North-East Atlantic than prioritised. The Commission changed,” they say, “the Welcoming the news, Europêche An expedition to retrieve the the valuable seismometers – and the natural hazards and natural school students throughout there were a decade ago. already tried in the past to Commissioner will fail to Managing Director, Daniel Voces, said: seismometers returned to Galway the even more valuable data they resources offshore,” he said. “For Ireland. Before the seismometers The strategy, they say, convert the oceans into a mining live up to his promise not to “The news on sustainable fisheries is Port on the evening of May 12th. have collected.” example, slope failures triggered were deployed in 2018, DIAS ran fails also to recognise the low extraction site and now wants to single out any of the pillars of unequivocally good. The majority of The expedition was comprised Eighteen seismometers were by earthquakes can generate a competition inviting students to carbon footprint of fishing in transform our seas into the new sustainability—social, economic fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic of six scientists and a small crew, deployed in 2018, across an area tsunamis in the Irish offshore name each one. As a result, the comparison with other food European energy engine”. and environmental—during his are healthy and thriving. who spent the last three weeks spanning over 1,500 kilometres territory – the data will give us seismometers placed across the production industries, and while The big fear, they say, is mandate”. “That’s thanks to many years of on board the RV Celtic Explorer. from North to South and over new insights into this hazard. North Atlantic seabed bear names sacrifices being made by the EU fishing New insights into earthquakes 1,000 kilometres from East to “The seismometers have ranging from ‘The Dude’ to fleets and intensive collaboration with off the Irish coast, the potential West, with some sensors placed waterproof memory sticks with ‘Gráinne’, ‘Luigi’ and ‘The Loch scientists and public authorities to for enhanced tsunami warning in the UK and Iceland’s waters, recordings of earthquakes off the Ness Mometer’. EU, Norway and Faroe Islands reach joint improve fishing practices and fisheries systems, and the migration as well as in Ireland’s offshore coast of Ireland. To date, these When the seismometers were control agreement for pelagic fisheries management. Overfishing in the EU is patterns of North Atlantic whales territory. have been poorly understood, but deployed back in 2018, the team at an all-time low”. are among the topics on which key Dr Lebedev continued: “Our we know they are generally larger provided video links from the Drawing attention to the fact that information was retrieved. mission with this expedition was than the ones Ireland has onshore. ship, so school students could n April 22nd, the the Russian Federation have will be mandatory at the this recent analysis again bucks the Commenting on their return, Dr to retrieve these hugely valuable The new data will give us much watch as the seismometers they European Union, not signed up to the agreement. landing and processing pervasive ‘crisis in fisheries’ narrative, Norway and the Faroe Under the agreement, the facilities for landings of Sergei Lebedev, a seismologist at seismometers and the unique greater insights into earthquake named entered the depths of the Europêche expressed regret that OIslands reached a coastal states’ three signatories commit pelagic stocks and where more DIAS and the leader of the SEA- data they have recorded. The mechanisms and, also, into the Atlantic Ocean. agreement for the monitoring, to adopting several control than 3,000 tonnes per year are some environmental NGOs keep SEIS project, which is co-funded instruments have flashing-light structure of the Earth’s interior. During the retrieval expedition, control and surveillance (MSC) measures for pelagic weighed. launching gloom and doom studies by Science Foundation Ireland, beacons and radio beacons but “The capturing of information the research team on board hosted of shared pelagic fisheries fisheries to avoid discards The signatories also agreed, trying to prove how awful things Geological Survey Ireland and the most reliable way to spot on the life and movements of the live video links with school (mackerel, horse mackerel, and operations. To ensure for the first time, a number of are in European waters by analysing the Marine Institute, said: “The a seismometer bobbing at the great baleen whales of the North classes from St Francis National blue whiting, and herring) in compliance with the landing measures aimed at ensuring the number of fish stocks or tonnes SEA-SEIS scientists joined the surface of the ocean has been by Atlantic is also important in terms School in Wicklow. St Joseph’s the North-East Atlantic. obligation, several measures to accurate weighing and catch overfished in the past. ship with a skeleton crew three their bright orange flags. We went of understanding the lives of these College in Tipperary, and a school This is the first dedicated prevent illegal discards will be recording. Delegates agreed “The reality is that in the last 10-20 weeks ago in an effort to recover west from Galway to the stations creatures and the dangers they in Calabria, Italy. People at home agreement on fisheries control mandatory. also to engage in a plan to test years no industry has made so many this sophisticated equipment that within the underwater Rockall face. The instruments have made could also track the journey of and, according to the European To ensure better control Remote Electronic Monitoring efforts and commitment towards Commission, a major step in and monitoring of catches, is currently on the sea floor, and Trough first, then made our way continuous recordings from the systems on fishing vessels, the RV Celtic Explorer and the progressively achieving a level measures such as providing such as cameras, sensors and sustainability like the European fishing the valuable scientific data that has North along the western coast, last 19 months of the songs of the retrieval of the seismometers playing field on control and control authorities with real- other technological solutions to industry”, Mr Voces said. All this, he been recorded. retrieving the seismometers as we great baleen whales, including through social media and blogs management of these pelagic time access to weighing data monitor fishing operations and said, in spite of “unachievable policy “When the seismometers went, heading towards Iceland the Blue, Fin, Humpback and from the research team. stocks. Though the agreement and camera surveillance processing activities onboard. objectives in the CFP” which “unfairly were deployed in 2018, they and the mid-ocean ridge and North Atlantic Right whales. Further information on the remains open for the signature of landing and processing Details of the agreement gives the impression to citizens and were programmed to run until circling back around to Galway These unique recordings will SEA-SEIS expedition is available of other coastal and fishing facilities were agreed. As part can be found at https://bit. consumers that the fishing industry is this time. This meant that the after three weeks at sea.” build our understanding of the at: www.sea-seis.ie states; Greenland, Iceland and of this, camera surveillance ly/3dCZfHA not sustainable.” 32 Boats WOMEN IN FISHERIES JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 NEWS ROUNDUP News 33

Women in small-scale fisheries will play a key role in implementing the new EU Fisheries Control system – High Court position on Bantry Bay Kelp why is nobody asking them what they think? harvesting welcomed ocial Democrat TD, Holly impact that large scale harvesting of Cairns has welcomed the native kelp would likely have on the operation. The material realities impeded if nobody is thinking decision in the High Court crab and lobster they are dependent of small boats mean that they may about the role that women in small- S Arranmore island Donegal. Image: Seamus Bonner last month by Ms Justice Deirdre on for their livelihoods. not have a closed cabin where it’s scale fisheries will likely play in Murphy, that a foreshore licence Bantry Bay – Protect our feasible to use a mobile phone if implementing the requirements granted to BioAtlantis in 2014 to Native Kelp, a local group set up weather conditions change, internet of the new system on a day to harvest kelp in Bantry Bay is not in response, argued the licence to access at the fishing ground may be day basis. There appears to be “operative or effective”. ‘industrially extract’ 1860 acres of patchy or non-existent so that it may an unspoken assumption that Ms Justice Murphy ruled the native Kelp in Bantry Bay—the not be technically possible to report legislation to control practices on licencing process had not yet largest native kelp extraction licence until ashore, small crews and solo fishing vessels will only impact concluded by reason of the failure ever granted in Irish or British operations may not have capacity to those who are in the vessels, which of the Minister to comply with waters—had been granted without do anything other than the physical ignores the wider implications for his statutory obligations under public consultation, adequate work of catching and hauling, older fishing families and, in particular, the Foreshore Act 1933, which advertisement of the licence, or fishermen who don’t have capacity for women in small-scale fisheries. provides for public scrutiny of environmental impact assessment. for digital learning (even with On a practical level, this means State decisions. She said the only “Again, it was left to a training) will need to rely on family that, in consulting with and listening way mechanical harvesting of community group to organise, support. Even for those fishermen to ‘the industry’ and ‘the sector’, seaweed can be done sustainably fundraise, and go to court to ensure who are tech-savvy, women in there should be a real effort to is if the State first conducts trials their voices were heard. We had small-scale fisheries will, in many engage, in particular, with women on what the environmental effects the exact same thing with the cases, be the ones to figure out how in small-scale fishing families will be. Save Our Skibbereen campaign to use the technology and teach it to around the practicalities of the new The Cork South West TD to stop the plastics factory. The A demonstration at the Dáil in March 2018. those going fishing. Fisheries Control system, including said: “It is very timely that the state, Ministers in Dublin, and Image: Photocall, courtesy of The Southern Star “There’s a reason that I do nearly organisations that represent women environmental impact of industrial even County Hall make decisions all of the paperwork – there is zero in fisheries, where they exist. A good scale harvesting of Bantry Bay with serious local impacts capacity for the fishermen to do place to start could be to engage Kelp has been recognised during without properly consulting with effects of mechanical harvesting run with something on the premise anything other than the physical with the AKTEA European network biodiversity week. This whole communities involved,” said the of kelp will be is to conduct that it will create jobs, but it’s work of catching and hauling. That’s of Women in Fisheries to ensure that issue surrounding this controversy recently elected TD. trials. Bantry Bay Protect Our incredibly short sighted to do this also taking into consideration that the new system is gender-sensitive. has been poor decision making that “Ms Justice Murphy’s Native Kelp expects legal battles at the expense of existing jobs. there are two of us on board for our As detailed in the April issue of doesn’t respect the value of our comments illustrate how the state will continue, but this is great West Cork relies on its shores for operations; several fishermen we The Skipper, this network was natural environment for coastal and has not conducted proper trials news to get during international two of our major industries, the know operate solo and simply don’t recently relaunched and revitalised island communities in West Cork.” of this process before granting biodiversity week, it’s a step in the fisheries and tourism. It shouldn’t have the spare hands to do anything in Brussels in a three day event that Since the granting of the licence, licenses, despite expert advice. We right direction. In a single lifetime be left to communities to right other than what they’re already brought together more than forty concerns relating to the ecological need a planning system that starts biodiversity has disappeared at an these decisions. It takes incredible maxed out doing.” highlights Keara women in fisheries from Ireland, implications of the mechanical with local people and supports alarming rate and a year after the work, time and money, so massive concern at the disproportionate Osborne, Iasc Inis Oírr. Italy, Croatia, Malta, Cyprus, harvesting of Bantry Bay kelp their involvement,” she said. Oireachtas announced a Climate shout out to Bantry Bay - Protect By Dr Ruth Brennan, impact the Regulation will have The new Fisheries Control Spain, the Azores, France and The have been raised by locals of the “The High Court has said and Biodiversity emergency, no Our Native Kelp team and Trinity Centre for on small-scale fisheries. They Regulation is therefore likely to Netherlands. (For more see https:// area. Several inshore fishermen that the only way to know for significant progress has been made. everyone involved in protecting Environmental Humanities, emphasised the need to understand directly increase the burden on bit.ly/2WJ5y6O). have raised concerns regarding the certain what the environmental “Too often we’re expected to the Bay.” Trinity College Dublin the on-the-ground realities of women in small-scale fisheries. The members of the AKTEA small-scale fishing, the need for While there was much discussion network include independent support (financial and training) for at the PECH Committee around national and regional level he new Fisheries Control the additional administrative and the need to ‘take on board the organisations that represent Regulation currently before financial burdens, a concern that sector’s concerns’, to ‘create trust independent fisherwomen, and L.É. William Butler Yeats returns to routine security Tthe European Parliament’s digitisation (such as the electronic and confidence in the industry’, to wives and partners of fishermen, PECH Committee aims to be logbook) will impose undue burdens ‘explain and listen to the sector’, involved in fish processing, sales “simple, transparent and effective”, on small-scale fishers (SSF) who nobody mentioned asking the and administration, fishing (in boats operations at sea according to Spanish MEP Clara were already under huge pressure, women in small-scale fisheries what and onshore), shellfish gathering, Aguilera, the Rapporteur in even before the global pandemic. their needs and concerns will be. and net mending. If the European n May 15th, the Irish Naval charge of this file. In practice, There was, however, no Nobody suggested that they should Commissioner for the Environment, vessel L.É. William Butler Yeats (P63) the new Regulation will require discussion around the practical be included in the training that will Oceans and the Fisheries is serious left Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin the phasing out of paper-based realities of who exactly will be need to be delivered. about his commitment to valuing O to return to routine security operations at sea, recording (such as paper logbooks) coping with the burden of these Recent research highlighted and supporting women in fisheries completing an unbroken presence by the Naval so that recording and reporting of changes to current operating by The Skipper in the May issue (as stated in his video address Service since March 15th where it has operated a fishing activities eventually move procedures with the introduction (available online at https:// to the AKTEA representatives COVID-19 Community Testing Centre in support to digitised ‘fully documented of new digital tools and software bit.ly/3dUWLEn) found that in Brussels), there needs to be of the HSE. fisheries’, irrespective of vessel to successfully report catch and to Sustainable Development Goal concrete evidence of this, through Since that date, Naval Service vessels have size. The thinking is that this will comply with the landing obligation. (SDG) 14 (Life Below Water) gender sensitivity to the impact acted in support of the HSE in Dublin, Galway and make for better communication The large majority of fishing will not be attained if 50% of of legislation, such as the new Cork, with L.É. Samuel Beckett the first to enter between Member States and with vessels in Ireland (86%) and in the population it affects (i.e. Fisheries Control Regulation, on the Dublin, L.É. William Butler Yeats in Galway on the the Commission, and result in a the EU (75%) are classified as women in fisheries) are not taken small-scale fishing communities and 17th of March and L.É. Eithne in Cork. In total six more efficient and effective control small-scale (under 12m in length into consideration. The research families behind the vast majority of vessels have rotated through the three ports. system. The Regulation is supposed and using non-towed gear). Most attributes various aspects of EU and Irish fleets. Throughout Operation ‘FORTITUDE’, to be technologically neutral – in of these are family-run operations marine resource mismanagement the Defence Forces operation in response to other words, it should not prescribe with women in small-scale fishing to overlooking the essential roles Dr Ruth Brennan is a Marie COVID-19, Naval vessels have been supported by the use of any specific technology to families playing important (often played by women in fisheries. It Skłodowska-Curie Individual personnel from the Naval Service Reserve. achieve its aims. unrecognised) roles that ‘keep seems highly probable that the Fellow (2018-2020) at Trinity Over the last nine weeks, Naval Service During the two hour discussion the show on the road’. It is, by achievement of the aims of the College Dublin’s Centre for vessels have supported the HSE and the National between Fisheries Committee MEPs and large, women who take new Fisheries Control Regulation Environmental Humanities. She is Ambulance Service in conducting almost 6,000 on Thursday 30 April, the majority responsibility for administrative and (an integral part of fisheries also Sea Fisheries Advisor to Luke COVID-19 Tests in the national effort to fight of contributing MEPs expressed logistical tasks related to the fishing management) might be similarly ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP. against the spread of the virus. The Naval Service has completed a handover with their Army colleagues who will now operate The CO-SUSTAIN project (www.belongingtothesea.com) has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon the COVID-19 testing centre at the Aviva Stadium L.É. William Butler Yeats at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 789524 as the Defence Forces continues to assist the HSE.

L.É. William Butler Yeats 34 News JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 BUSINESS DIRECTORY Classifieds 35

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38 Photos OUT AND ABOUT JUNE 2020 The Skipper The Skipper JUNE 2020 Crossword Break 39

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Boat Crazy: Danny and Robbie O’Callaghan on their uncle Jamie O’Callaghan’s FREE BUY & SELL boat the Primrose in Castletownbere. (Credit: Susan Murphy) LISTINGS

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Coronavirus outbreak on Spanish vessel that landed in Castletownbere

quarantined. It is understood one By Lia ní Aodha crew member chose to quarantine in a hotel. It is further understood the crew members who tested positive French-flagged, Spanish- were asymptomatic. owned longliner was Reports also indicate an additional quarantined in Spain crew member, who reportedly had A felt unwell since the vessel had last month after the skipper and several crew tested positive for the originally left Spain three weeks coronavirus, less than two weeks previous, tested positive for virus after the vessel had landed in antibodies, suggesting he had had Castletownbere. the virus but had since recovered on According to reports in the the trip. Spanish press, the Notre Dame The news of the outbreak comes Cedeira arrived in the port of following blockades of Dingle pier Celeiro on Friday, May 3rd after in March and April by fishermen and the skipper reported feeling unwell residents protesting risks associated while they were fishing off the Gran with, what they see as, inadequate Vessels landing in Castletownbere last month. Notre Dame Cederia. (Image: Elian Caistaing, (Image by Niall Duffy) Sol. On landing, the skipper was checks on foreign vessels landing at Marinetraffic.com) subsequently transferred to Hospital the pier, amidst fears of the spread of Público de Mariña in Buerla, where coronavirus in the town by crews off Building on an Information he tested positive for the virus. All those vessels. Note issued by the Department on 15 crew on board were also tested on Last March, several of the largest March 27th setting out procedures arrival in port. fishing organisations in the country for handling fish landings by Results from the tests, which quickly ‘condemned’ a blockade in vessels at the six Fishery Harbour they awaited onboard the vessel, Dingle preventing access to foreign Centres, the Department has since subsequently confirmed six trawlers, and threats of similar action issued individual guidance notes for additional cases among the crew, in Castletownbere as “unnecessary, each of Ireland’s Fishery Harbour who all bar one were subsequently alarmist and without any reasonable The management of the Centres setting out harbour-specific transferred to their homes and nor rational foundation”. organisations in question said “that guidelines for vessels landing in the the blockades preventing French context of the pandemic. and Spanish vessels from offloading The notes, issued May 11th, set their catch would only damage the out “to both clarify matters and Irish industry in the long run and assist in the implementation of the sought to reassure the wider public procedures at each of the six Fishery that extremely strict and enhanced Harbour Centres” and aim to “assist conditions apply concerning the in the safe management of all fish Ag Méadú Eolas Muirí movement of crews in light of the landings, Irish and non-Irish, during pandemic.” the crisis.” Ag Soláthair Seirbhísí Mara The case of the Notre Dame To account for the differing Cedeira, however, has done little facilities on the ground in each to alleviate the concerns of local Harbour, the guidelines are harbour- communities. The vessel, which specific in terms of guidance Building Ocean Knowledge originally left Spain on April 10th, on access. Laying out landings landed into Castletownbere on guidance on a more general level, Delivering Ocean Services April 21st. According to reports, the the notes reiterate in line with skipper of the La Rochelle registered earlier guidance that all vessels, 33-metre longliner informed Spanish Irish or non-Irish, whose voyage authorities that none of the crew went commenced outside of Ireland will marine.ie ashore when the vessel landed fish in be accommodated in designated, Castletownbere. demarcated areas as directed by the According to the Department Harbour Master. of Agriculture, Food and the All landings and associated Marine, procedures that have been servicing activities of the vessels put in place for all landings were must be carried out within the implemented, and a Maritime demarked area provided. Crews Declaration of Health was submitted must remain in the landing area before landing, as per Marine Notice “unless for essential travel or for the No. 06 of 2020. purposes of travelling home.”

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