The 1964-2014 1964-2020

LEADINGSkipper JOURNAL OF THE IRISH & UK INDUSTRIES OCTOBER 2020 €3.50/£3.00 WAITING FOR A FAIR DEAL No end in sight to Ireland’s penalty points saga. See pages 2-3

DIGITAL ISSUE www.theskipper.ie/subscribe/SUBSCRIBENOW Gary and John Brosnan, Dingle onboard Cúilín T70 fishing crayfish around Dingle Bay and the Blaskets. (CREDIT: TOM BROSNAN)

OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 News 3 SkipperThe ‘They’re just not interested in were elected they would “introduce control ‘policeman’, because that SERVING THE IRISH & UK a fair penalty points system that is what it is in the format that it has FISHING INDUSTRIES the fishermen having a fair meets EU obligations while been introduced. safeguarding the rights of Irish “We could have introduced it on fishermen.” Following the eventual the same basis as other countries, deal in this country’ hobbling together of a government, where the rule of law and the burden the Coalition’s Programme for of proof takes precedence over a EDITOR: Lia ní Aodha Government promises a more ‘Kangaroo Court’. I hope it can be C Fish specialises in converting fish by-products [email protected] watered-down version – to amended to reflect our concerns into pet food ingredients and bait Mob: 086 823 9608 implement “a fair EU points system in line with a letter we sent to the in order to protect fish stocks and Minister.” Fresh & Frozen Fishing Baits for the Commercial & ensure the release of suspended EU According to a statement from Angling Fisherman. Weekly Deliveries Nationwide funding.” the Department issued following SALES: Sharon Boyle In a comment to The Skipper on the meeting, the Minister listened to ENQUIRES WELCOME FROM THE UK [email protected] July 31, a Department spokesperson industry concerns regarding the SI, Tel: 074 95 480 37 said that with respect the said the exchange had been “very Charlie Vial, Main St, Dunkineely, Co. Donegal, Ireland Mob: 086 840 1250 implementation of a penalty points useful” and that he intended “to Tel: 074 9737254 Mob: 087 2548208 system, as per the Commission’s continue this close engagement with PRODUCTION /DESIGN: Email: [email protected] Web: www.cfish.ie Declan McGrath ‘reasoned opinion’ to the Irish the fishing industry going forward.” [email protected] Government on the matter earlier A post-meeting letter sent to the MANAGING DIRECTOR: this summer, the Minister would be Minister and signed by the CEOs of Hugh Bonner [email protected] progressing the matter as set down the four POs, however, states that SUBSCRIPTIONS: in the Programme for Government. while the POs were “encouraged” [email protected] Fair? Protects the rights of Irish by the Minister’s support for the Tel: 074 95 62828 fishermen and women? And where industry in the ongoing Brexit PRINTED BY: MCM Insurance Brokers Limited - WG Baird, Antrim, N.I. exactly does the source of the failure negotiations “unfortunately the same www.wgbaird.com here lie? Not the EU bogeyman this cannot be said of your response to Specialist broker to the Irish fishing sector. CONTRIBUTORS: Dunmore East. (Credit: Cathal Ó hUallacháin) time, if ever, the villain here, as is our concerns on the Penalty Point Lorna Siggins so often the case with the politics of issue.” Niall Duffy fishing in this country as elsewhere, “Overall the meeting was a John Cunningham is the State. disappointment, in that you were Dick James In the Dáil on September 8, this not prepared to countenance any Craig Taylor No End in Sight to Ireland’s Penalty Points Saga Government’s most recently instated deviation from the published S.I. to Gudjon Einarsson Minister for Agriculture, Food and take our four main concerns listed Shetland News By Lia ní Aodha will be waking up to a sea change been challenged successfully by two the Marine, Charlie McConalogue below, ‘on board’,” they say. on account of a no-deal Brexit in members of the IS&WFPO in the argued, “These new regulations are The four main concerns listed by just a few short months, on August High Court. a requirement of EU law and, as has the POs are as follows: Contact our experts: he sad thing I seem 26 Taoiseach Micheál Martin signed Calling on the Taoiseach to been the case since 2012, all other • Section; 6(9) Where the burden Ballina office on - 096 72977 to think is that when into law a Statutory Instrument (SI) urgently amend the legislation, coastal member states have now of proof is less than that fishermen seem to want regarding a penalty points system Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation implemented this EU points system. required in a prosecution, ‘on MCM Insurance Brokers Ltd. are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland Published monthly by Mara Media, “T improvement in the legislation in Ireland has been found to be in Annagry, Co Donegal. for the fishing industry. (KFO) CEO, Seán O’Donoghue the balance of probabilities’ as www.maramedia.ie this country the government seem Containing much the same facets said the industry was livid that the breach of its EU legal obligations as in the SI text. to think it’s an affront to their as previous attempts at a system Taoiseach had “enacted highly a result of our failure to implement • Section; 8(1), Where points ATLANTIC MARINE SUPPLIES LTD authority. But, we have done many devised by the last Government, controversial penalty points them before this point.” remain on a licence even in DEPARTMENT OF MARINE APPROVED LIFERAFT SERVICE STATION In the compilation of The Skipper, every care things through the official channels, ones that have not only met with legislation” and “with zero What the Minister didn’t say, the event of an appellant being is taken to ensure accuracy. Where errors or omissions are brought to the attention of and tried to get a better salmon vehement opposition (including consultation with fishermen and in however, is that there is no “this EU exonerated of any offence. PRODUCTS SERVICES Foilseachán na Mara Teo., future publications will legislation. But… actually sitting from the Taoiseach’s own party) spite of having stridently opposed it, points system”, rather the one in • Section;10(2), Where points • LIFERAFTS • LIFERAFT be amended accordingly. However, Foilseachán down with the government and with but have been struck down in the while in opposition.” question is Ireland’s very particular attached to capacity multiply in • LIFEJACKETS SERVICING na Mara Teo. does not accept liability to any the salmon fisheries authorities, Courts, not surprisingly the move “We are not against a penalty interpretation of an EU Directive the event of that capacity being • RESCUE BOATS • LIFEJACKET person for loss or damage arising from anything contained in this publication or for any error they’re just not interested… They’re has met with much incredulity points regime since it is an EU with respect the implementation of a subdivided. • IMMERSION SUITS SERVICING or omission in it, even if such loss or damage is just not interested in the fishermen from both the fishing industry and requirement but there must be an points system. • Section; 12(14), Where a party • PYROTECHNICS • IMMERSION caused by negligence of Foilseachán na Mara having a fair deal in this country.” Opposition parties. equitable manner of administering As fishing representatives and may only apply to the High • H.R.U.’S SUIT SERVICING Teo., its servants or agents. Opinions and articles Barring the reference to salmon Just some of its most salient this,” he highlighted, adding that Opposition parties (including Court on a point of law. • BOARDING • HIRE LIFERAFTS featured are not necessarily the opinions of Foilseachán na Mara Teo. fisheries authorities perhaps, one points, the SI would see the SFPA the signing of the SI had come Fianna Fáil themselves, now so “We expressed our views on LADDERS would be forgiven for mistaking as the body to assign penalty points, completely out of the blue and intent of bringing the system in), these issues at the meeting and are the above comment for one more and features an SFPA established “putting it mildly, is neither fair however, have highlighted time now asking you to confirm whether INSIDE THE contemporaneous than it is. “determining panel” with the nor reasonable and runs contrary to and again, to date, all efforts by or not you will reconsider them,” Suppliers of full range of approved lifesaving equipment. Captured in the RTÉ Archives in a purpose of determining whether a the Programme for Government of the Government to introduce a they say. Service of RFD, DSB, Dunlop - Beaufort, Zodiac and Lifeguard equipment OCTOBER ISSUE report by Michael Ryan it was made serious infringement has occurred introducing a fair system.” penalty points system for fishermen At the time of writing, it Donegal Road, Killybegs, Co. Donegal. more than three decades ago on and whether or not points are to Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on have failed on account of how the is understood, however, that Phone: 074 9731440 Fax: 074 9731699 P 4 May 27, 1986, by Johnny Murray of be assigned. Points assigned to the Fisheries and the Marine Pádraig Government has attempted to devise acknowledgement of receipt of the After hours; 074 9731332 Email: [email protected] MCIB believes Garda inquiry Dunabrattin, Co Waterford. holder of an Irish licence would Mac Lochlainn TD called on the the system. letter aside, no response has been ‘unlikely’ Chairman of the local fishermen’s remain regardless of any criminal Taoiseach to urgently clarify why In this regard, a meeting forthcoming from the Minister. The organisation at the time, it was proceedings pending or the outcome he signed off on an SI that would between the POs and the Minister Irish South and West say that it has P 5 Johnny’s parting message to of any such proceeding with respect impose penalty points on the fishing on September 16 secured by Cork been decided by their membership Increased SFPA Scrutiny for the camera as he was being the infringement concerned. industry without consulting with the South West Deputy Christopher to challenge the constitutionality of Irish Fishermen picked up by plainclothes Gardaí In response, the Irish South industry, describing the action as O’Sullivan yielded little results. the SI. And so, the ‘merry-go-round’ implementing a court sentence and West’s CEO, Mr Patrick “deeply disturbing” considering the As explained by Hugo Boyle, continues… P 24-26 handed down on account of failing Murphy said his membership controversial history behind these CEO of the Irish South and East As was the case more than thirty Sean Óg: New Cygnus Cyclone to pay a fine, to be transported to were “dismayed” as to why the enforcement measures. Fish Producer’s Organisation years ago, it appears the government for Skerries Skipper Cork jail at a time of ‘pitch battles Taoiseach signed the SI into law, Deeply flawed, not fit for (IS&EFPO), “Unfortunately, we are in this country, regardless of its P 30-32 at sea’ and when fishermen from when the same man, as leader of purpose, and representing yet back on the ‘merry-go-round’ of the make-up, seems to view it as the South East were being jailed for the Opposition, had put forward another example of the disconnect Penalty Point saga. Obligation to an affront to its authority when Reliance III: Reliance Placed on fishing salmon and for ‘obstruction’. a motion to overturn the signing between the Department and those Europe was quoted by the Minister fishermen want improvement in Fishing’s Future What’s changed since then? If the into law of a previous SI by former who fish for a living, was how the at our meeting as the reasoning for the legislation that shapes their never-ending penalty points saga in Marine Minister Michael Creed. Social Democrats’ spokesperson the reintroduction of what we see as day to day lives – even, or perhaps this country is anything to go by not With a similar motion put for Agriculture and the Marine, flawed law. especially, when that legislation

Marine & General Insurance Brokers. “Insuring Your World Today” much, says you. forward by Sinn Féin and supported Holly Cairns TD described the “We recognise that, yes, we singles them out for treatment not Blindsiding the industry as they by a number of independents that Government’s new system for the are obliged to introduce a penalty dished out to other citizens of the grapple with the ongoing fallout attempt was historically rejected industry. point regime, but not as a big State. Same as it ever was “they’re from COVID-19 along with the in the Dáil, explained Mr Murphy, In their election manifesto, ‘Irish’ stick to beat ourselves with just not interested in the fishermen Tel:+353 (0)74 9177500 Fax:+353 (0)74 9177200 ever-increasing possibility that they adding that earlier legislation had Fianna Fáil promised that if they at the whim of an overzealous having a fair deal in this country.” Email: [email protected] Web: www.chd.ie Cavanagh Hooper Dolan Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland 4 News OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 News 5

MCIB believes Garda inquiry ‘unlikely’ Increased SFPA Scrutiny For Irish Fishermen

and he had directed that the matter be By Lorna Siggins investigated by the Garda National The wreck of the French tanker Betelgeuse By Niall Duffy SFPA Fishery Officers Bureau of Criminal Investigation. which exploded at Whiddy Island oil checking a landing Mr Kingston’s father Tim died terminal on January 8, 1979 with the loss HE Marine Casualty in the Whiddy island Betelgeuse of over 50 lives. (Credit: Ian Vickery Snr. “Another stick to beat us with!” Investigation Board has explosion 41 years ago. The lawyer copyright, courtesy of The Southern Star) was the reaction by fishermen to the Tdescribed as “unlikely” any maintains that all MCIB reports announcement that the Sea-Fisheries Garda inquiry into matters pertaining should be re-examined. Protection Authority (SFPA) is to its work. In a separate development, two nearing completion of its roll-out of The State board has also said that civil servants have stepped down a major new IT system designed to the Garda Síochána had confirmed from the MCIB’s five-person board, support increased compliance with to it that no decision had been made following a recent European Court of sea-fisheries regulations. VALID, a to launch “any inquiry” into matters Justice ruling which found it lacked fully automated cross-check system, pertaining to it. independence. will automatically verify data, Several months ago, the Ireland is not appealing the EU including in real-time. Garda Press Office confirmed court judgment issued in July, The system will be used to it was examining “allegations according to the Department of identify vessels with a higher risk of of misconduct in public office Transport. non-compliance, enabling the SFPA in relation to investigations into The EU had taken issue with the and its control partners, the Naval the seafaring tragedies and the board’s independence, as two of its Service and the Air Corps, to focus implementation of maritime safety five members are the State’s serving resources on vessels and fishing regulation”. chief marine surveyor and a nominee competence of mariners. activity requiring more targeted The Garda Press Office said that of the Department of Transport’s The EU court judgment found was with a view to determining “if secretary-general. that Ireland was “not fulfilling its inspections. The new system applies a criminal act has occurred where These two post holders have now obligations under Article 8(1) of to all Irish vessels fitted with an a criminal investigation should be resigned, but only after a court battle Directive 2009/18” governing the electronic recording and reporting undertaken”. which Ireland lost. investigation of accidents in the system (ERS). The Garda Press Office said The EU had referred the State maritime transport sector” . The Skipper sought clarification last month that this preliminary to the European Court of Justice in In its defence, Ireland had International maritime lawyer from the SFPA as to whether all examination was still “continuing”. 2018 on the grounds that Ireland argued that the MCIB reports are Michael Kingston vessels in the Irish EEZ would be However, the MCIB said that had failed to “correctly implement independent. monitored by this system and who “in the unlikely event that An European Union law establishing the Confirming the resignations of would have access to this real-time Garda Síochána (AGS) launch an fundamental principles governing the both civil servants, the MCIB said conducting investigations into marine data. inquiry into any matter pertaining investigation of accidents in maritime it had been “advised that vacancies casualties in Irish waters and Irish- In reply the SFPA said: to MCIB investigations, the MCIB transport”. will be filled in accordance with registered vessels. “The VALID system covers will provide whatever assistance is The EU said that the standing Government policy after It is a non-prosecutorial only Irish vessels with Electronic fishing industry. “The majority of Food and the Marine’s (DAFM) that they may be required to take. required by AGS”. responsibilities and activities of both the introduction of legislation to give body which does not enforce Recording System (ERS) capability. fishermen and buyers are compliant Information Management Team More serious fails may result in Earlier this year, maritime lawyer the Department of Transport and effect to the recent decision of the legislation, and its investigations In line with European legislative with the regulations, filling out their within the current Integrated infringement action being pursued Michael Kingston submitted a the Marine Survey Office (MSO), European Court of Justice”. do not apportion blame or fault, but requirements, administrative cross- logbooks and sales notes correctly. Fisheries Information System (IFIS). by the SFPA/FMC. In recent weeks dossier to the Garda Commissioner headed up by chief surveyor Brian The Department of Transport recommendations have regularly checks are carried out on all landings The automated system is enabling The SFPA and FMC can now Masters, Owners and Buyers calling for an investigation into the Hogan, could conflict with the said it has “sought legal advice on been made to the Minister for however VALID only cross-checks us to gather better information automatically cross-check data may have noticed this increase in handling of accident inquiries by investigative task. legislative and administrative options Transport. Irish vessels. Therefore the cross- on where there is a risk of non- information provided in the communication. the MCIB and the Department of Investigations include checking to address the court findings and the However, almost 300 of its checks on non-Irish vessels are compliance with fishing regulations, electronic logbooks by the vessel In a comment to The Skipper with Transport. seaworthiness of vessels, and the concerns of the EU Commission, and reports on commercial fishing and undertaken manually. This system thereby allowing us to target our Master, the vessel’s electronic respect the new system, John Ward, The Garda Commissioner’s office MSO holds administrative and is currently examining same”. recreational casualties, and incidents monitoring system (VMS) as well informed Mr Kingston in late July enforcement functions concerning The MCIB is responsible under involving ferries, ships and other is for the use of the Sea-Fisheries resources at those vessels and CEO of the Irish Fish Producer’s that his correspondence had been seaworthiness of ships and fishing the Merchant Shipping Act and the vessels have been made public since Protection Authority (SFPA) and the fishing activities that have a higher as information provided by buyers Organisation cautioned, “The seen by Commissioner Drew Harris, vessels, related equipment, and the Merchant Shipping Regulations for its establishment 20 years ago. Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) risk of non-compliance. Going on sales notes allowing immediate fishing Industry has to be seriously only. The European Fisheries Control forward VALID will aid us as we identification of inconsistencies, concerned about how these new IT Agency (EFCA) or any agency work to deter and detect any future errors and missing information. systems are utilised as we all have outside of Ireland or within Ireland, illegal fishing violations,” said Dr The SFPA/FMC will follow up seen that a desktop exercise by the will not have real time access to the Steele. on every detected fail that is notified SFPA resulted in FU16 being closed VALID data.” VALID has been developed for by the system in relation to data to prematurely in 2018 and eventually Dr Susan Steele, Chair of the SFPA and the Defence Force’s close them out. This may include resulted in a successful High Court/ the SFPA stated that the benefits Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) them contacting the Master/Owner Supreme Court challenge by of VALID will be felt across the by the Department of Agriculture, and notifying them of the action Industry.”

EU must support Irish lobstermen following removal of US tariffs

inn Féin MEP Chris MacManus said, “This is already a was critical of the Commission by successive Irish Governments.” MacManus has called on hugely damaging time for Ireland’s and Irish government. “The non- MacManus concluded: “I will SEU authorities to announce fishing communities. COVID-19 engagement of the Commission be seeking additional information financial supports for Irish and an impending Brexit has left and the now resigned Fine Gael as to how this trade agreement fishermen and women to be the sector struggling. The decision appointed Trade Commissioner came about, exactly what benefits introduced following the European to now allow tariff-free imports Phil Hogan in advance of entering European citizens can expect to get Commission’s decision to lift of US lobster will have a major this free trade agreement is deeply as a result of this ‘deal’ but most previously imposed tariffs on live detrimental effect on Ireland’s disappointing. It’s a real kick in the importantly I will demand details US lobster imports. inshore small fleet fishermen whose teeth for Ireland’s fishers. It is yet as to what financial supports will Criticising the decision where livelihoods are undoubtedly now another example of the now too be now put in place for Irish lobster no consultation took place with at risk.” familiar pattern of the Irish fishing fisher who will suffer as a result of Irish fishing representative groups, The Midlands Northwest MEP sector being treated disgracefully this deal.” 6 News AROUND THE COAST OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 AROUND THE COAST News 7

News Roundup from Killybegs reported by John Cunningham SEAQUEST SYSTEMS Inshore representatives meet with Sinn Féin SeaQuest systems are proving extremely busy during 2020. So far this year, the t the beginning of inshore fishermen and women the increasingly contentious issue between the EU and US which company is working on projects for delivery September, the National were discussed. Included among of space to fish and competition would see tariffs removed from across the world. Included among these is a Inshore Fishermen’s those was the economic impacts from offshore renewables, lobster imports from the US into new crane for Mayo County Council, MFV A Association and Organisation met of COVID-19 on the sector, the alongside the aforementioned the EU, and which last month Antarctica in Karstensens Skibsvaerft, MFV with Sinn Fein’s spokesperson on response to date from the current MPAs was also on the agenda. was described by the inshore Gitte Henning at Zamakona, and MFV Leila at Fisheries Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and past Governments and future Herring, access to quota, the representative bodies “as another Cemre Marin, among others, with some of the TD along with several other Sinn outlook. largest cranes to date being manufactured for sector’s high dependence on kick in the teeth.” two Norwegian aquaculture vessels, Gaerda Féin coastal TDs and councillors Also discussed were some of brown crab, market access and It is understood that Sinn Féin Saele and Viking Atlantic. including Mayo’s Rose Conway- the finer points in the Coalition’s profitability were also addressed, as gave a commitment to work to Currently in Killybegs, the installation of Walsh, Galway West TD Mairéad Programme for Government, was implementation of the Inshore see these issues are addressed in SeaQuest deck equipment vessels is being Farrell, Kerry’s Pa Daly, and among them the promise that Strategy published early last year a “meaningful” manner, and gave carried out on MFV Ella at Mooney Boats Wexford’s Johnny Mythen. “pair trawling will be prohibited – the first industry-led strategy what the inshore representatives for the Atlantic Dawn group. The install of a In the meeting, which was inside the six-mile limit” and for the sector in the history of the felt was a “genuine commitment” live fish pump package for Aquaship onboard described by representatives as the commitments contained with State. to helping the inshore Viking Caledonia is also underway. “productive”, a number of the respect Marine Protected Areas Also on the agenda was representative bodies address any Two projects have recently seen SeaQuest most salient issues facing Ireland’s (aim 30% by 2030). Not unrelated, the recently agreed trade deal other issues going forward. cranes, fish pumps, water separators, hose reel and winches delivered to a customer in Oman, with one being fitted in Denmark before making the journey down. Two other packages for the smaller side of Two Greencastle boats detained for alleged fishing offences Barbarella arriving back in Killybegs with a good haul of sprat. (Credit: John Cunningham) the scale saw new 3-tonne trawl winches and net drums delivered to Gerry Smyth Boats wo Greencastle boats over to An Garda Síochána in Kilkeel for MFV Shazleah and also MFV were detained by the Irish with the assistance of Sea LÉ William Butler Yeats Sharon Ann. TNavy approximately 75 Fisheries Protection Officers here has been a more constant SPRAT FISHERY For more information on any of these nautical miles southeast of Cork of the SFPA. It is understood flow of vessels coming and projects, please follow them on Facebook, or Harbour for alleged breaches of the vessels were operating Tgoing in the port of Killybegs When the first catch of sprat was caught it check out the project section of their website fishing regulations on Thursday, independently of each other this past month. Each Friday has seen caused a bit of excitement with other small boats www.seaquest.ie September 10. It is understood and two separate cases will be the arrivals of French boat Heliotrope getting geared up and ready for the fishery. The the two vessels were fishing forwarded to the DPP. and two Spanish boats Aveneira and participating boats are Westbound, Seabreeze, for prawns and whitefish in the These latest detentions bring Anchousa unloading their catch to Faoilean Ban, Barbarella, Rachael D, Johnny G, Smalls at the time. to 10 the number of fishing waiting lorries. With no time to waste, Ros Ard, Cadno, and Helen Mary. The first week Both were subsequently vessels detained by the Irish they refuel and stock up on provisions saw some decent hauls for the boats; however, escorted into Cork Harbour by Naval Service for alleged before heading back to sea. things quietened down towards the third week of the LÉ William Butler Yeats fishing offences in Irish waters There also has been a lot of September. (P63), where they were handed since the start of the year. activity around the harbour with the local pelagic fleet getting ready for BLUEFIN TUNA the upcoming mackerel and horse mackerel season. Meanwhile, three Continued fishing of bluefin tuna has been other vessels, Felucca, Genesis, and rewarding for the Leah C and Deep Blue. So far SeaQuest crane being fitted onboard the Brendelen have made their way to this season, which comes to an end on November MFV Ella. (Credit: John Cunningham) Denmark for maintenance work. 20, they have tagged and released at least 200 tuna. KT Nets carrying a range of products for the inshore sector T Nets inshore quality equipment such as as well as Danfender buoys, range of oilskins including division supply a OLIVEIRA Delphin Line Pot and foam-filled fenders. KT Stormline and Sevaen, Kwide range of top- rope in leaded and unleaded, Nets also supply a complete alongside anchors, chains and the various ancillary chandlery that are vital in STOCKING ALL LEADING the day-to-day operations of inshore vessels. INSHORE GEAR Established in Killybegs, Ireland’s premier fishing Castlereagh, port in 2003 by local net Supporting Bruckless, makers Danny, Donald John Co. Donegal and Anthony, at KT Nets we deliver nationwide so no • Dan-Fender Buoys and need to worry. If you would the industry Fenders like to hear about our top- of-the-range fishing gear, • Pot Ropes from Oliveira please give us a call and we • Agents for Stormline will be happy to discuss your requirements. Get in touch for • We carry a wide range a quote today! of ropes and chandlery Contact Tel: 00353 74- including Gunnebo 9741498, Danny Mobile: Call us for more information 00353-87- 2347601, Anthony Mobile: 00353-87- 4175301, or Email: [email protected], Contact: 074-9741498 / 087-2347601 Danny on [email protected], or www.bim.ie www.ktnets.ie [email protected] Anthony on anthony@ktnets. ie, Web: www.ktnets.ie

9431 BIM smokehouse Irish skipper half page ad.indd 1 23/06/2020 16:47 8 News OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 IRISH SKIPPER EXPO News 9

Kodie Healy First Anniversary

s we lovingly remember tenacity it is certain that Kodie Kodie on his first would not have been returned to us Aanniversary we, the Healy so soon. To the Civil Defence who family, wish to express our heartfelt came out in force to join the search. and sincere appreciation to all those To the Gardaí who helped support who helped in any way during the the search, and helped to keep IRELAND’S search for Kodie, during his funeral people safe. and afterwards. We would like to thank our To the local fishermen and families, neighbours and friends FLAGSHIP FISHERIES SHOW neighbours who were with us from near and far, for their unwavering the very beginning, and whose support, help and kindness. care, understanding, judgement and To those who made houses willing spirit will never be forgotten. available as search bases, those To Valentia Coast Guard Radio who provided and brought food and for their prompt mobilising of the helped to distribute it, who helped massive search that followed. To with traffic management during the Schull and Goleen Coastguard who search and funeral, those who visited were on scene almost immediately, our home, including Fr Anthony coordinating and scouring the and Fr Alan, those who attended the coastline. rosary, and to acknowledge the huge RESCHEDULED To the Baltimore and numbers who attended the removal, Castletownbere lifeboats who mass and burial and to the numerous responded so quickly, and were Guards of Honour. heart-lifting to see on the AIS To those who travelled long SHOW DATES when en route to the area. To the distances to be with us, sent helicopter crews who swept the area sympathy cards, mass cards, that night and afterwards. perpetual enrolments and messages To the fishing trawlers and of condolence, phone calls and texts. crews who joined the search that To Deirdre for the beautiful floral R 2021 first night and all the vessels that arrangements and bouquets, and to 12-13 MA joined through the following days those who had masses offered, lit including the Bantry Inshore Search candles and kept us in their prayers. -4 and Rescue. To the Navy who We are truly grateful. Donie and Denis Bowen and Tim thank everyone individually please 6 SAT 10 arrived on scene and remained for We would like to thank Fr Murnane for their forethought and accept this acknowledgement as an FRI 10- the entire search. Anthony Buckley, Fr Paddy Hickey help, and The Bunratty Inn for expression of our deepest gratitude. To the crowds and crowds of and Fr Liam Hickey who celebrated providing refreshments. We would Kodie’s First Anniversary Mass people – neighbours, friends and a very special funeral mass and all also like to thank the LAST Charity. will take place on Saturday 10th family and the extended coastal who participated in the mass, and to We thank all who helped in any October at 8 pm in the Church of community, who came from near Derry and Terry for the music. way. Your support and kindness was the Seven Sacraments, Lowertown, UL SPORT, LIMERICK and far to search for Kodie from the To Charles O’Sullivan the strength that helped carry us Schull, Co Cork. first night onwards. Undertakers for their through that week and the months The Holy Sacrifice of the To the volunteer diving units professionalism and care, the that followed. Mass has been offered for your without whose skills, courage and gravediggers – our close neighbours, As it would be impossible to intentions.

Fisherman lost off Donegal Coast

onegal’s fishing Killybegs Coast Guard Unit, The late James 'Dearg' Byrne's half community were left James’ body was located in decker, Mirror of Justice Dmourning last month, nearby waters shortly before following the loss of local midnight. It is understood he fisherman James 'Dearg' Byrne was wearing his lifejacket at from Cashel in Kilcar. the time. A retired fisherman in his Following his recovery, 70s who still spent a great James was subsequently deal of his time out on the transferred to Letterkenny water in his half decker Mirror University Hospital, where The For more information on of Justice, James’ body was he was later pronounced found in the water after his deceased. Irish Skipper Expo 2021 boat washed up onto rocks James’ funeral mass was Skipper please contact off Teelin on the evening of held on Saturday, August 29 in August 26. St Cartha’s Church in Kilcar, Show Sponsors Sharon Boyle Members of the Coast with interment afterwards in Commercial Fishing Manager Guard and Rescue helicopter Kilcar cemetery. On account 118 were alerted to the scene of current COVID guidelines, around 8.30 pm when the boat both wake and funeral were Email: [email protected] was spotted without anybody private. on board. The Skipper would like to Tel: 00353 (0)74 95 48037 Following a large scale extend our deepest sympathies operation coordinated by and condolences to the Byrne Mobile: 00353 (0)86 8401250 Malin Head Coast Guard, family and friends. which included Arranmore Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Web: www.theskipper.ie and Bundoran Lifeboats, and anam. IRISH SKIPPER EXPO 2021 10 News AROUND THE COAST OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 AROUND THE COAST News 11

Understanding the past to help predict the future Reopening of National Fisheries Colleges Climate change research in the Arctic onboard the RV Celtic Explorer he BIM National Fisheries delivery of programmes leading to Colleges of Ireland reopened awards on the National Framework n Irish-led team of term perspective is crucial and will last month. The colleges, of Qualifications was recently scientists onboard the help us to better understand our The CIAAN survey on the RV Celtic Explorer Tin Greencastle, Co Donegal and approved by QQI (Quality & Marine Institute’s RV environment and the environmental Castletownbere, Co Cork had Qualifications Ireland). ACeltic Explorer returned to consequences of human activities.” temporarily closed due to restrictions Since March, BIM supported a Galway Harbour on Wednesday The CIAAN survey put in place to help stop the spread of range of students through a mix of 16 September, after 24 days in (Constraining the Impact of Arctic COVID-19 in March. online learning and project work. the Nordic and Greenland Seas Amplification in the Nordic Sea: The reopening coincides with Earlier in the year, working to investigate past climate A biogeochemical approach), aims the colleges’ recent achievement the Skipper Full Certificate of change in the Arctic region. to define a more comprehensive of ISO 9001:2015 certification; the Competency Programme was Scientists from NUI Galway, description of the Nordic Seas internationally recognised standard adapted and made available online University of Southampton UK, ecosystem and provide insight for quality management systems. during the college closure. The Front row L- R: Brian Vaughan, Principal, National Fisheries College, University of Bremen, Germany, into how essential climate This certification further ensures that full-time programme, comprising Greencastle, Maria McCarron, College AdministratorBack row L-R: John and Bergen University Norway, variables are recorded in geologic the training received by learners will of nine weeks of online learning Kelly, Senior Nautical Instructor, Larry Kealey, Safety Instructor. have been monitoring and archives. Assessing the impact and be of a consistently high standard and an additional three weeks in the capturing a record of temperature, magnitude of past (pre-industrial) across all training sites including classroom in the National Fisheries A mutlicore from the Norwegian basin salinity and the carbonate system climate changes is critical to further recovered during the CIAAN survey. the two colleges and mobile coastal College, Castletownbere will support Extensive consultation has taken and HSE advice, and the teams in the to improve our understanding of our understanding of how the training units. four students to complete their place to ensure the safe delivery of colleges look forward to welcoming essential climate variables in the climate system will respond to a Additionally, BIM’s updated studies and receive a skipper licence training programmes for students and students back to undertake a wide Nordic and Greenland Seas and rapidly changing Arctic ecosystem. vessel. To operate in the Arctic research in the Arctic region will Quality Assurance System, for the in 2020. staff of BIM in line with government range of industry training. how they are recorded in geologic Dr Morley, NUI Galway, region, the RV Celtic Explorer deepen our knowledge of the region archives. added: “The Arctic is a sensitive was required to obtain a Polar and will improve models that can Lead scientist, Dr Audrey and vulnerable environment with Code Certification. The RV forecast changes to our oceans and Morley, School of Geography regards to global warming. The Celtic Explorer is the first Irish climate. This will inform effective and Archaeology, NUI Galway, North Atlantic and Nordic Seas vessel to receive the Polar Code policy and management decisions Fishermen’s lives placed in danger by Greenpeace stunt said: “One of the key challenges are a key region for the formation Certification, greatly increasing the to meet the challenges posed by in climate change science is of North Atlantic Deepwater and ocean research capabilities of the climate change.” reenpeace is dropping granite boulders concern is for the crews of our vessels, should assessing the magnitude of future the uptake of atmospheric carbon vessel. into the North Sea, in a stunt designed their gear become entangled in what Greenpeace climate change, due to our short dioxide. Whether or not this Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the to prevent fishing vessels trawling. The are describing as ‘massive granite boulders’,” observational records which are region will remain a carbon sink Marine Institute said, “There is Genvironmental charity says it wants to stop the said Barrie Deas, CEO of the National limited to the past 150 years. Our during rapidly warming climates a growing need for international practice of “bottom trawling” in the marine Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations. “That research is unique, as we are not is a question that remains to be scientists to work together to get a protected area of Dogger Bank in the North Sea. is extremely dangerous for the crews on the only observing modern essential answered.” better understanding of the Arctic On Tuesday, September 22 activists dropped deck, and it can actually jeopardise the vessel’s climate variables, but we will As part of this research survey, region, particularly in relation to 15 granite boulders onto the sandy seabed off stability as well.” also look into the past to assess the RV Celtic Explorer travelled to what happened to climate variables Dogger Bank. Greenpeace said the move would Mr Deas went on to state that there was how essential climate variables 79 Degrees North in the Greenland in the past. The RV Celtic Explorer stop trawlers dropping their nets in the area but confusion among fishermen as to why the have evolved since before pre- Sea, which is the highest latitude is crucial to facilitate this type of not harm the seabed’s marine life. More boulders sandbanks of Dogger Bank needed protecting. industrial conditions. This long- reached by the marine research international research. This will be dropped in the coming weeks until the “We can understand if it is coral reef or marl reef area is completely protected, the charity said. It or particularly sensitive habitat, but what we are stressed it had informed marine authorities of its talking about here is a particularly large area of actions in advance for safety. mobile sand. So we’ve never really been quite Greenpeace dropping boulders in the North Sea Fishing groups have condemned Greenpeace’s sure of the rationale for having the special area of Major Protest Planned For New Factory Trawler Launch actions as “dangerous” and “infantile”. “Our conservation,” he said.

also point to an alleged conflict of interest amongst several well- The crew on the Aoibh Áine SO160, Martin Pob Ferry, David known leaders in the world of Rodgers and Hugh Curran, Consultation on the expansion of Ireland’s Marine Protected Areas French fishing. fishing west of Scotland Antoine Dhellemes, who n August, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for designating and managing MPAs in the short and Minister of State Noonan intend to publish the final created and directed France Housing, Local Government and Heritage longer term. report of the Advisory Group upon its receipt, and Pélagique, is not only the current and Minister of State Malcolm Noonan This input will subsequently go on to inform to invite comments and views from the public on vice-president of the National Crew Shots ITD announced the commencement of a formal the work of the MPA Advisory Group in finalising the future expansion of Ireland’s MPA network. Fisheries Committee (CNPMEM) consultation process on the future expansion of its technical report and recommendations for the If you would like to be notified when the but is also president of the ver the past months, as the Ireland’s network of Marine Protected Areas Minister in the Autumn. As the second stage of the public consultation begins, please send an email Producers’ Organisation (PO) global pandemic continues (MPAs), beginning with a series of interactive broader consultation process, Minister O’Brien and to: [email protected] FROM Nord, and president of the to wreak havoc on daily stakeholder engagements hosted by an independent national association of POs. In Olife and global markets for fish, expert Advisory Group appointed in December Photo: https://www.fishermen4friends.nl/ order to address any conflicts of we’ve been asking you to send 2019 and chaired by Professor Tasman Crowe of interest, Geoffrey Dhellemes, son in your crew shots in an effort to the UCD Earth Institute. of Antoine, has been appointed to celebrate those who fish and their Minister O’Brien stated, “Minister Noonan and rench inshore fishermen are latest addition to the company’s run the company. resilience. I very much welcome this process of stakeholder planning a major protest to fleet: an 80-metre vessel, flying Expected attendees at the We’ve had a huge response from engagement which is being supported and coincide with the launch the French flag, but whose catch launch party include the owners right around the coast and all the facilitated by our department. This represents the Fparty of the Scombrus, a pelagic of herring, mackerel, horse of Cornelis Vrolijk and their way across to the other side of the first stage of a broader, comprehensive consultation factory trawler belonging to mackerel and sardines will most competitor Parelviet Van der Atlantic. Thanks to all who have process on Marine Protected Areas which will the France Pélagique company likely be landed in IJmuiden in Plaas, the Director of Fisheries, sent in their images, many have continue in the coming months and which we which will be christened on the Netherlands like the two other Minister of Fisheries, National featured either in The Skipper or committed to get under way in the first 100 days of 25th September at the Port of vessels in the France Pelagique Fisheries Committee and on our social media accounts, with Government.” Concarneau, the day after The fleet, theSandettie and the Prins Producers’ Organisations. more to follow. Commencing August 18 and concluding Skipper goes to print. Bernhard. The artisanal fishermen’s As promised, we’ve one this September 18, engagement with various France Pélagique is a French artisanal fishermen association Pleine Mer have month featuring on The Skipper’s representative bodies and organisations, included subsidiary of Cornelis Vrolijk, are up in arms about this model called on fishermen, associations, front cover – Gary and John among them several fishing organisations, has The SFPA’s Port Office at Dunmore East now features an eye-catching fisheries themed a major Dutch fishing company, of fishing, which they say trade unions, and citizens to Brosnan, Dingle onboard Cúilín been taking place through an online questionnaire mural, thanks to the creative inspiration of Árdscoil na Mara, Tramore 5th year student, which owns several trawlers monopolises quotas and has a protest with them on September T70 fishing crayfish around Dingle and series of moderated online meetings, seeking, Sarah Rogers whose design was the winning entry in a special art competition to recognise and subsidiaries in other EU strong impact on the stocks in 25 in front of the France Bay and the Blaskets, which was for example, their views, ideas and perspectives and celebrate the region’s deep ties with the fishing industry, which the SFPA ran with the countries. The Scombrus is the French waters. The fishermen Pélagique office in Concarneau. sent in by Tom Brosnan. Skipper on MPAs; the future expansion of Ireland’s MPA assistance of Waterford Walls. hats on the way! network; and the preferred approach to selecting, 12 News AQUACULTURE OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 AQUACULTURE News 13

Red Seaweed could help cut methane “The Irish government will be facing fines and sanctions for breaches of climate change targets set at A multi-billion dollar emissions from cattle international level, and this produce could reduce our industry allows it to be grown in the sea. The greenhouse gas emissions and bring us back into line By LORNA SIGGINS station is building up cultures of reland has a long history in hand harvesting a small free-living plants, and the next trial with government commitments.” number of the almost 600 types of seaweed growing CIENTISTS testing a type of involves growing the seaweed in Ialong the 7,800 km Irish coastline, and its value has red seaweed to reduce methane wastewater, she says. been in its gelling agent, used in everything from ice-cream emissions in cattle have Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has to “heads” on beer. S Red seaweed may help reduce The many health benefits of seaweed are now fuelling a recorded successful sea cultivation been supportive of its work, while trials in west Cork. Údarás na Gaeltachta and the State’s methane emissions in cattle if multi-billion dollar global industry that is focused on added to feed “Very exciting” is how Dr agricultural research authority increasing cultivation of marine algae. Julie Maguire of Bantry Marine Teagasc have also shown interest in BIM has been working with industry and researchers from Queen’s University Belfast and NUI Galway to Research Station describes the recent the research. develop cultivation techniques for farming native seaweed, breakthrough by her team in growing The appointment of three marine particularly Laminaria digitata (kelp). ministers in quick succession in the the species in seawater. BIM stresses the potential of its use in “high value Bantry Marine Research current government has frustrated products such as medicines, cosmetics and functional Station, which is now owned by efforts to arouse interest at political foods”. veterinary pharmaceuticals company level, as the research work will At its workshop on farming seaweed in Ireland last Bimeda, has already invested some require considerable investment. year, it estimated that there were 130 hectares of seaweed considerable time in testing the A Canadian farmer’s observation Red seaweed tests at Bantry Marine Research Station licensed capacity in Ireland, with “more coming on stream”. effectiveness of the red seaweed that dairy cattle feeding near State seaweed company Arramara was sold to Canadian species Asparagopsis armata in shorelines seemed healthier and multinational Acadian in 2014 for an undisclosed sum reducing harmful emissions in cattle produced more milk led to widespread emissions by 50 to 60 per cent. has been working with academics which was the subject of a ten-year confidentiality clause. here. use of seaweeds in animal feed. As he explains, the constitutes in based at the Swedish University of Several politicians, traditional harvesters and a former By incorporating the seaweed into However, the discovery that a the red seaweed inhibit the bacteria Agricultural Scientists on feeding Arramara chief executive were critical of the deal, which animal feed, cuts of between 40 and particular red seaweed could have a in the cattle’s rumen from producing trials in cattle. took place at a time when the company was making a profit. 98 per cent in emissions have been positive impact on ruminant animals’ methane. The journal reports that the Údarás na Gaeltachta had concluded a five-year capital achieved in trials in the US, Australia digestion was made by Canadian “Methane production has no Swedish company has identified investment programme with Acadian Seaplants in the and New Zealand. scientist Dr Rob Kinley some three benefit to the animals and is a waste two main challenges – the first being Researcher Dee McElligott seaweed company before its privatisation. identifying seaweed species That international work, years ago. of fodder,” he points out. While cattle the creation of economic incentives Minutes of Údarás na Gaeltachta board meetings pioneered in Canada, involved His research in Canada and don’t particularly like the taste of for the food industry to adopt the Station Research of Bantry Marine All images courtesy obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Irish language news website tuairisc.ie recorded how concerns using Asparagopsis taxiformis, a red latterly in Australia showed that seaweed, it can be flavoured with produce to reduce methane emissions Dr Maria Hayes, are involved in two two compounds found in seaweed, are seaweed type most common in the Asparagopsis taxiformis could reduce molasses, he suggests. generated from beef and milk were expressed about the sale by Enterprise Ireland chief projects testing various feed additives for produced by marine plants as a defence executive Frank Ryan to then Minister of State for the southern hemisphere. methane emissions by up to 99 per The marine research company production. ability to reduce enteric methane emissions mechanism. The International Agency Gaeltacht Dinny McGinley in July 2013. cent if added in small quantities to is co-operating with Údarás na The second is ensuring that the It is similar to Asparagopsis from ruminants – “Meth-Abate” funded by for Research on Cancer has said that both The many potential biopharmaceutical benefits of marine armata which was discovered in animal feed, as hydrogen, rather than Gaeltachta and Teagasc, and hopes to red seaweed type can be produced in the Department of Agriculture, Food and compounds are not classifiable as human algae have been highlighted in numerous scientific studies, Irish waters about 60 years ago in methane, was produced. raise funds for more animal trials. sufficient quantities. Volta Greentech Marine, and “SeaSolutions” an EU-funded carcinogens. such as a paper published by Dublin Institute of Technology small quantities, and was successfully It was estimated that if just 10 per Údarás na Gaeltachta Director of has already been trialling land-based project with other Irish, EU and Canadian However, the US Environmental scientists Emer Shannon and Nissreen Abu-Ghannam in cultivated in the late 1990s in Ard cent of global ruminant producers Enterprise, Employment and Property systems for growing it to scale. partners. Protection Agency has suggested 2016. Bay, Co Galway by research company used it as a feed additive, it would Dr Mark White said there could be a The Swedish company favours “There are a lot of caveats, such as bromoform is a potential human Their paper noted that organisms such as algae, molluscs, Taighde Mara Teo. have the climate change equivalent of double benefit for both farmers and using seawater which can be recycled, bromoform, a compound within seaweed carcinogen, following studies carried out sponges, corals, and tunicates have evolved to survive The red seaweed type would have removing 50 million cars from roads. climate change targets if the Bantry while also using waste heat from a which is known to reduce methane on mice and rats. the high concentrations of infectious and surface-fouling to be farmed here to meet sufficient Dr Kinley, who undertook station’s work on the red seaweed nearby oil refinery on the Swedish emissions but is also a known carcinogen. The Voltech Greentech research has not bacteria that are indigenous to ocean waters. quantities for the animal feed industry, his research with the Australian additive does prove fruitful. west coast to ensure water can be We need to ensure that if seaweed is fed found bromoform traces in any significant Both macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae (diatoms) Bantry Marine Research station’s Common Scientific and Industrial Earlier this summer, it was maintained at an optimal temperature. to ruminants that no bromoform or other quantities in animal milk, urine, tissues or contain “pharmacologically active compounds such as general manager David O’Neill points Research Organisation (CSIRO), has reported that Swedish start-up, Volta Teagasc principal research officer residues appear in the end meat and milk organs in trials conducted as of early this phlorotannins, fatty acids, polysaccharides, peptides, and out. since visited Ireland and has been Greentech, had closed a 500,000 US Prof Sinead Waters, who is also products,” Prof Waters has cautioned. summer. terpenes which combat bacterial invasion”, they reported. Given that the resistance of pathogenic bacteria to The advantage is that it can be collaborating with the Bantry Marine dollar funding round to expand pilot adjunct professor at the Ryan Institute, Sustainability, cost-effectiveness and David O’Neill says that the research at grown on land as well as in the sea, Research Station for some time. production of a product derived from NUI Galway, said that while initial existing antibiotics has become a “global epidemic”, marine appropriate mode of delivery to animals are Bantry could support a sustainable beef, algae derivatives have “shown promise as candidates in and the research station recently Bantry Marine Research the red seaweed, Asparagopsis, to results from Australia and elsewhere all factors which have to be investigated, sheep and dairy sector meeting “Origin managed to attach Asparagopsis station general manager David reduce methane emissions in cattle. are positive, “further research is novel, antibacterial drug discovery”, they have said. she has said. Green” credentials, as advocated by Bord Their paper included a comprehensive analysis of the armata gametophytes to a string. O’Neill estimates animals fed with The journal Feednavigator. warranted”. “The research by Dr Kinley is very Bia. As Dr Maguire explains, this the constituent here could reduce com reported that Volta Greentech Prof Waters and Teagasc colleague many qualities of marine algae. They noted that some algae exciting, but we need to understand the “The Irish government will be facing types, such as three types of edible Irish brown seaweed, long term impacts of any potential methane fines and sanctions for breaches of could be used as preservatives to help reduce incidence of abatement product on production, on the climate change targets set at international food poisoning. rumen and any negative effects which level, and this produce could reduce They also noted that marine algal compounds have Print Advertising Rates may also affect human health or the our greenhouse gas emissions and bring potential for use as components of antibacterial films made GROW YOUR BRAND environment,” she said. us back into line with government from biodegradable materials which are widely used in Bromoform and dibromochloromethane, commitments,” he says. active food packaging applications. They found that antibacterial algal extracts can also WITH THE SKIPPER & SIZE MONO COLOUR be incorporated into animal feed to improve the safety and nutritional profile of animal products destined for SKIPPER EXPOS Full Page €1,000 €1,200 human consumption. As an example, extracts of Laminaria • Average Monthly Circulation: 4.5k 1/2 Page €600 €725 digitata fed to pigs up to three weeks before slaughter • Average Monthly Readers: 11.5k improved the quality of pork meat. 1/4 Page €400 €500 Seaweeds have also been shown to have antibacterial • Average Monthly Website Visitors: 26k 1/8 Page €200 €250 • Social Media Followers: 78k properties against many species that infect farmed fish. This in turn “reduces the occurrence of pathogenic • Newsletter Subscriptions: 7k 65x95mm €95 €120 bacteria in the final food product”, the DIT study noted.

Contact Sharon ‘Antibacterial Derivatives of Marine Algae: An Overview +353 (0)86 8401250 of Pharmacological Mechanisms and Applications’ by Emer +353 (0)74 9548037 Researcher Silvia Blanco at Shannon and Nissreen Abu-Ghannam, was published in the www.theskipper.ie [email protected] work at Bantry station journal Marine Drugs in April 2016. 14 News REGIONAL OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 REGIONAL News 15

NORTHERN IRELAND NEWS By Dick James FISHERIES BILL NEWS he UK’s Fisheries Bill was amendments reconsidered. Thus, particular by the Portavogie fleet. back before the House of the stage has been taken forward It would also cover the Queenie in brief THE FISHERY TCommons in September one more step and the reality Corner ground which Northern MOURNE HERRING FISHERY for its second reading after of shift from CFP transition to Ireland fishing interests have he fishery, like BREXIT, but best to have it anyway. passing the House of Lords UK control becomes closer, volunteered as a suitable area for The Fisheries Department of is in transition. The north There has been a rise in with amendments. This Bill the implications clearer and the designation as a mud habitat. the Department of Agriculture Irish Sea summer bonanza small boat participation (under is forerunner for recovery of focus of detail becomes more of Jim Shannon (DUP) MP for has called for applications for T authority for the management an issue. the Ards Peninsula which covers licences to participate in the is behind us and the hard drag 10 metre) within the Irish Sea of fisheries and related Within the debate on the Bill Portavogie spoke also, claiming Mourne Shore herring fishery, to Christmas lies ahead, and prawn fishery this year; due to environmental issues prior to full two interventions by Northern support from the South Down due to open on 7th December who knows what will happen a downsizing trend brought on release from the EU’s Common Irish MPs were heard. MP Carla constituency port of Kilkeel although in practice the fishery after that? Looking back, this by crew difficulties as well as tends to open later after the Fisheries Policy (CFP) Lockhart (DUP) representing (and, presumably, Ardglass) and closure of the Douglas Bank season was good in terms of a switch by the bigger crabbers Apart from the Scottish Upper Bann, speaking as DUP supported the Bill, although not fishery on 21st September. The catch but disappointing in terms into prawns on account of the Nationalists and Plaid Cymru, fisheries spokesperson spoke on the Lords’ amendments raising fishery is open to boats not of grossing due to reduced price collapse of the brown crab who voted to rejoin the EU and a whiting avoidance program the conflict of those amendments exceeding 40ft (12.2 metres and restricted time at sea. market and a falloff in the trust to redefining the CFP, there for the Irish Sea, but perhaps with the policy driver of in new money) using drift nets At the time of writing (mid- fishery. On the other side, some was little dissent from the Bill more tellingly spoke in support sustainable fishing within the with a minimum mesh size of 54mm. Weekend fishing is September), there is still a prawn of the larger boats are finding Sea Mourne returning to Ardglass after a with Labour declining to vote and of further devolution issues, Northern Ireland sector. the rest of the House in support. specifically shifting the powers The MP also raised the issue not allowed and a quota of 58 fishing in the western Irish Guardship work more lucrative day’s fishing. (Credit: Chris Feenan) tonnes has been allocated to Significantly during the over environmental authority of non­-EU fishermen in respect Sea but more promising signs this year which eases things in the fishery. Application forms debate, there was some in respect of Marine Protected of manning needs of the local are available from local Port are showing on more distant that sector. mention of the amendments south of Newlyn in Cornwall Areas in Northern Irish offshore fleet although, how that became Offices. grounds. The Bristol Channel The three Northern Irish quota available for the local made by the Lords, many of areas to the Northern Irish an issue under the Fisheries Bill Smalls ground is showing signs pelagic boats started up this pairing to extend their season or where haddock availability and them environmental, with the Assembly. was not clear. of a resurgence with some month, with the Kilkeel-owned return after the Autumn mackerel quota is readily available – but Conservatives generally pledging This would directly apply Eventually, the Bill passed NEW CATCH Kilkeel boats joining the Irish Havilah/Stefanie M pairing run to finish off the year. again market seems susceptible to revoke the amendments and to the muddy basin Nephrops through the second reading after OPPORTUNITIES fleet taking opportunities in that using Belfast as a base to supply The Kilkeel supertrawler to volume within a local setting. Labour, predictably, taking the ground in the South Rigg areas, the SNP amendment failed with Voyager has been working Maracestina works away for opposite view. which have been a bone of 6 of the DUP MPs voting for The appearance of area, but the Clyde has shown the factories in Ardglass and unmanned (drone) research most promising first for the Kilkeel. Working local ground the North Sea herring landing prawn on the Porcupine with This now leads to the contention for the Northern the Bill, the rest of Northern vessels within the Irish Sea Portavogie faithful and then in the western side of the north mainly into Shetland but also fairly regular tripping since stage where the detail of the Ireland fleet being an area known Ireland’s MPs being listed as has been ongoing now for proposals are considered and the for high-quality prawns prized in absent. joined by the Ardglass fleet. Irish Sea, they started off on once in Norway. There has been lockdown. OK for this year but a few years. Deployed from no west coast fishery this year what does the future hold? Carlingford these vessels have Latterly, the small boat their daily landings rota working been a regular feature within Portavogie fleet found a local days about for a four day week, due to regulation closure, but The inshore fleet are working local waters and, apparently, fishing on adjacent ground where and hardly missing a beat with that boat’s Irish Sea allocation away with little enthusiasm as TIE-UP OR NOT reported that some gear is being involved and there is hope that their use has spread the better size ratio of prawns landings from day one on a has yet to be fished. markets limit what is possible, brought ashore in anticipation of an integrated Gaelic team may worldwide. Recently, one such probably made it easier on crew, modest landing to increasing On the whitefish front, and the grounds are getting some n The much anticipated such a scheme whilst others are evolve. drone was lost sunk off the coast of eastern Ireland and better for marketing and cost- landings as they found the markets have largely dictated respite after the last few years and promised tie-up scheme waiting to see what happens. FISHERIES AND rumours of high-value salvage saving for fuel use. There were rhythm and the marks. A fishing this year’s activity – although frenetic activity. for the Northern Irish fleet, prompted some local boats one or two Kilkeel men working routine which harks back to things seem to be improving. The local scallop season is due to commence on the 15th GHANAIAN FISHERMEN SEAFOOD DEVELOPMENT to rig out for anticipated rich JOIN GAA PROGRAM to the north in the Minch area a more gentle period when Limited activity in the Irish Sea due to start on November 1st, September, is to be put before rewards on recovery. but, as yet, no movement to the weekends were for home time. has left once fought over quota with no idea as to what the the Fisheries Minister on the n Ghanaian fishermen have n In 2018, the Department of North Sea. Douglas Banks has yet to uncaught, and there may be an market (reputed to be dire) will 14th September and with time taken for approval (or been a feature within the Co Agriculture, Environment and FISHING FOR LITTER There has been little mainland come, with the fishery there due option for prawners to diversify be like and what new regulation otherwise), issue of application Down fleet for several years Rural Affairs commissioned UK interest in area Vll prawns to close on the 21st September later in the year if needs must. may be brought in by over- The Northern Ireland The Ribhinn Donn has worked enthusiastic managers. As yet, forms, consideration of terms, now, taking over from the a 2-part study into the sea Fishermen’s Safety has this year, probably due to whereupon the Irish fleet are Filipinos as recruits of choice fisheries of Northern Ireland, the North Channel for the usual there seems no forward planning perusal process and issue of announced a Marine Litter COVID related problems, which due to start their season on non- approval it is now beyond doubt for the local boats due to as a strategic review looking Management project to tackle mix of fish found there, whilst to participate in that fishery but has left surplus quota available spawning areas. This year, to that the initial start date is difficulties in hiring the popular to future needs of the industry the issue of marine litter if one could it will be dictated for swap or lease which the date, there has been no interest Mylarose and Sparkling Sea likely to be missed unless some Asian men. They have fitted in and how best to accommodate through a Fishing for Litter initiative. Funded by the South Northern Irish POs are sopping shown in the fishery by the have kept to the local haddock by what goes on elsewhere, retrospective action or Doctor well within the communities them. The study was to be grounds. Unity is, at present, which has been a regular theme East Area FLAG initiative using up without any real idea for what Plymouth-based Wiron duo of Who type magic can be found. they are based in, and benefit undertaken by Poseidon EMFF funding, and backed lies ahead this Autumn/Winter… freezer boats, which may leave putting a shift in on grounds this year. Who will tie-up on the chance from the facilities set in place fisheries consultants’ Rod by match funding by Seafish that something might happen for them with toilets and Cappell, and part 1 was and the Northern Ireland Fish and where will the boats be shower facilities provided by completed and duly submitted Producers’ Organisation, or where might they be going the Harbour Authority, and in November 2019. the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority is the grant to in this difficult year full of laundry and rest facilities by the At that point, there was recipient as lead applicant. NEPHROPS QUOTA MOVEMENT unknowns? Fishermen’s Mission. no Stormont Assembly so no To recap; the scheme is to The COVID situation, Minister to sign off the report t the start of September, Brussels was cut substantially grouping and bringing no non-sector fleet has been such be based on 50% of average however, has disrupted the and it lay dormant within the DREDGING ACTIVITY AT there was significant and, subsequently, uptake by the additional quota with them. that limits were set high an earnings over the last three Mission’s involvement as the Department. Since then, there ARDGLASS years for the trawlers on a centres are closed in Ardglass, has been a succession of delays movement in Area local fleet ran the limits close, On top of that, vessels in the around 5 tonnes a month. The Northern Ireland Fishery A monthly basis in two periods Kilkeel and Portavogie, and the report has still to see VII Nephrops quota, as despite COVID shutdown and under-10 sector working as Reduction to 3 tonnes in Harbour Authority dredger and their facilities are now the light of day. There are now unfished quota held by Scottish consequential restricted activity crabbers in the past have now September was relieved by the of 6 weeks starting with the Kilmourne is now stationed fleet being split to avoid unavailable. In Ardglass, the a number of projects which fall and English interests was limiting potential uptake. in some instances switched to gift of 55 tonnes, which allowed at Ardglass removing detritus oversubscription, and to allow Ghanaians have joined the local within the strategic umbrella and mud build from the outer acquired by the Northern Although the main season has prawn trawling again, putting the limits to be reset at 5 tonnes markets to continue based on GAA club where shower and of the subject matter under harbour, in particular at the Ireland Producers. In the past, nearly finished, more quota pressure on the non-sector quota. per boat per month. 50% supply. This, no doubt, will laundry facilities are available consideration and awaiting its quay walls to level off depths throughout the harbour to Government passed on any such was thought necessary to avoid In the past, as stated, What will happen next be a challenging administrative on a limited basis, and they have publication for justification problems by encouraging these potential closure (never mind Government avoided any such year is unknown. A cut in the designed norm. After, the process fraught with appeal, been taken in by the club which for making grant application dredger will turn its attention small boats to join a Producer any tie-up scheme). problems by encouraging overall assessment would pose conflict and uncertainty. has laid on training into the to take them forward (or to the Marina outwith NIFHA Organisation (PO), with 55 The Government non- the under-10 metre trawlers difficulties and the new UK/EU The inshore potting fleet will art and rules of Gaelic football otherwise). And still the report boundaries to deepen the tonnes gifted to the Government sector vessel fleet have been to join a PO and pass on balance of the opportunity post- have a scheme based on costs and social events with African awaits Ministerial approval and access channel to the Marina managed non-sector to boost particularly hit, with additional the responsibility of quota Brexit for division of Area VII incurred previously with little food and music. Other social sign off, with questions now where water depth in the past has attracted criticism, their holding. fleet members in the under-10 management. This year, quota Nephrops quota will also come detail on this, and if an option services such as iAssistNI, a being asked on the report’s even though water depth in This year, the TAC set by metre class boosting that demand by the under-10 metre into play…. to continue fishing and claim best friending service for ethnic release and reasons for delay the surrounds is nominally reduced grant is unclear. It is minorities, have also been by the SDLP’s Colin McGrath. shallower than entrance depth. 16 News INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 INTERNATIONAL News 17

UK NEWS Brexit: SFF and NFFO reaffirm support for UK’s negotiating stance ith Brexit talks in state, to maintain full control over to take towards the UK becoming been tabled by UK negotiators. deadlock and fisheries access to our waters. That does a coastal state – through a stable Where the EU has shown openness FISHERIES BILL AMENDMENTS The fishmonger who Wremaining a contentious not mean denying EU vessels framework agreement that respects to possible solutions, the UK has sticking point between the EU access to fish in the UK Exclusive UK sovereignty and follows shunned our offers. and UK, the two largest fishing n Economic Zone. Rather, that similar arrangements that the EU “Yet the UK government’s Following a vote in the House of Commons, the UK federations in the UK last month such access would be negotiated has with other coastal states in the position would lock out Ireland’s government has removed ‘sustainability’ as the key objective of refuses to sell the ‘top 5’ reaffirmed their support for the annually – as is the norm for the north-east Atlantic, or via a more fishermen and women from waters the Fisheries Bill. UK’s negotiating stance. EU and Norway and other non-EU uncertain route for the EU where they fished in long before Ireland Currently passing through Parliament, the bill provides a fish and shellfish species Elspeth Macdonald and fishing nations. everything is done through annual or the UK joined the European framework for fisheries management after the Brexit transition Barrie Deas, chief executives of “Under international law, this negotiations with no framework Economic Community in 1973. period ends and the UK is no longer part of the Common the Scottish Fishermen’s will be the default position if a agreement in place.” And of course, the fishermen Fisheries Policy (CFP). Federation (SFF) and National Fisheries Agreement cannot be The comments from the SFF and and women of many other Among several amendments introduced as the bill passed Federation of Fishermen’s reached. Evidently, it would be NFFO come amidst stark warnings EU countries. That is just not through the House of Lords earlier this year was the inclusion Organisations (NFFO) respectively, preferable if the right deal could and growing pessimism that a deal acceptable.” of (environmental) sustainability as the bill’s primary objective. said: be agreed, meeting the industry’s will be reached by the two sides Mr Barnier went on to The amendment at the time was opposed by the National “For the fishing industry in the objective of control of access before the end of the year. In a state, “We fully understand and Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) for placing the UK, leaving the Common Fisheries to fish in the UK EEZ and fairer keynote address just days earlier respect that the UK will become an environment above social and economic goals. Policy has always been about quota shares based on zonal to the Institute of International independent coastal state, outside With the bill now back in the House of Commons, on redressing a fundamental issue: attachment, but if an acceptable and European Affairs, the EU’s the Common Fisheries Policy. But September 8th—in a move which has since been critiqued by the woefully unfair allocation of deal cannot be reached then the chief Brexit negotiator, Michel we will not accept that the work a number of environmental groups—the government voted to quota shares in our waters, where catching sector would prefer these Barnier said, “Since the start of and the livelihoods of these men remove the amendment alongside several others and clause one the EU fleet has an unfettered right issues to be addressed through the these negotiations, the UK has and women be used as a bargaining of the bill, within which a number of the Lords’ ‘sustainability’ of access to the UK’s rich fishing annual negotiations process. This not shown any willingness to seek chip in these negotiations.” amendments were included, has reverted to its original form. grounds and fish five times more in is in line with the government’s compromises on fisheries. “Without a long-term, fair and During debate on the matter, Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis UK waters than we fish in theirs. negotiating position, which we “Contrary to media reports sustainable solution on fisheries, said, “Proposing to revert to the original wording is not about the “The only satisfactory means fully support. this week, the UK government’s there will simply be no new government going against environmental ambitions – absolutely of ensuring that this is achieved is “Ultimately, it is up to the EU position has not evolved in past economic partnership with the the opposite. Our amendment reverts to the very carefully drafted Aarik in the new fish shop, Cormacks Seafood for the UK, as a sovereign coastal which of the two routes it wishes months. No new legal texts have UK,” he said. original wording, which gives equal weight to environmental, social and economic considerations.” ‘There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t get asked for at least one of the top five species of seafood (tuna, salmon, cod, haddock and prawns), New lobster hatchery and research lab opens in Bridlington UK SEA FISHERIES STATISTICS but I am determined, even as a brand new start-up business, to educate JULY 2020 our consumers on why it is important to eat local.’ – Aarik Persaud olderness Fishing Industry of their offshore wind farms, with Group (HFIG) recently data collected within Ørsted’s opened a state-of-the-art Westermost Rough site. n Published in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ormacks Seafood, a new fish ribs, and head. I think the seafood H provide timely evidence on impacts on commercial sea fishing community laboratory and research The study had been the first of shop based in Totnes, Devon industry does need a shake-up. We hatchery in Bridlington—‘The its kind to be conducted anywhere activity, on August 25 the MMO published its Ad hoc statistical is one of the many seafood have been eating plain battered white release: UK Sea Fisheries Statistics for July of this year. C Lobster Captial of Europe’—to in the world and soon proved to businesses in the UK which has turned fish for too long. Don’t get me wrong, conduct vital research on fishing be of significant value in easing According to the MMO’s figures, prior to COVID-19 its head to a domestic market using it is great, but where are the new restrictions impacting the UK fleet, landed volumes and values grounds in the North Sea. fishermen’s concerns about offshore locally landed seafood. Before the seafood products?” The Yorkshire Marine Research wind developments. for UK vessels were higher in 2020 compared to 2019, with COVID-19 crisis, 80 per cent of the Cormacks Seafood started its life values 10 per cent higher in January 2020 compared to January Centre’s build was implemented Attending the opening, UK’s seafood was exported, whilst most a few years back; canning day boat by HFIG and funded by the West Benj Sykes, Head of Market 2019 and 43 per cent higher in February 2020. of the seafood consumed in the UK was mackerel, marinated in international From March, however, the fleet started to be affected by of Morecambe Fisheries Fund and Development, Consenting and imported. sauces, such as miso ginger, Korean the European Marine Fisheries External Affairs for Ørsted said: COVID-19 impacts, with a more severe impact in April, the first Explaining the premise of his BBQ, pastrami spice and puttanesca. The town of Bridlington lands 310 tonnes full month of lockdown in the UK. Though volumes began to Fund. The project aims to undertake “As a company that’s committed to of European lobster each year business chef turned fishmonger Aarik Having the shop allows Aarik to studies on ecology, marine science building a clean, sustainable future recover in May, values were 26 per cent lower, and June saw Persaud says, “We exclusively sell build and develop a far more extensive volumes fall back again 13 per cent compared to the same month and fishery biology. for us all, it’s imperative that we seasonal, locally caught day boat fish product range. The fridge is always In a collaborative approach, listen to our moral compass when it last year. and shellfish, with one exception, stocked with a range of products that Compared to last year the cumulative value of landings is many of the facility’s projects have comes to constructing and operating The brand new laboratory within the extremely important fishery. ChalkStream trout, which is farmed have been given a bit of additional been suggested by HFIG fishermen, offshore windfarms. the facility boasts the latest in digital “The results from these studies down 18 per cent, while cumulative volumes are down 5 per using organic feed in freshwater ponds.” flavour – jerked cuttlefish, hake stuffed cent. At 35,500 tonnes for July, volumes were down 8 per cent with a number of them being funded “We make every effort microscopy, a continual supply of will make a real difference in “We have been running as a seafood with harissa and couscous, trout en by offshore wind developer, Ørsted throughout the planning process to filtered seawater, and larval rearing supporting evidence-based compared to the same month last year. At £51,600,000 the value product-focused business since 2018 papillote, to name a few. was down 32 per cent. and its East Coast Projects Fund ensure that we minimise our impact equipment allowing the scientists decision making for our region. and have always only bought from The frozen food products Aarik (ECPF). on the environment and other sea to investigate early life stages of We appreciate the commitment Throughout lockdown the shellfish sector, which in July was small-scale fishing vessels that use makes include soy and yuzu infused down in value by 49 per cent, has been hardest hit. In comparison, Founded in 2011, and as users, and we’re keen to continue lobster and crab that would not be Ørsted has made through its East traditional fishing methods. These katsu fillets, inspired from his many previously reported in The Skipper, making improvements to the way possible in the open sea. Coast Projects Fund to not only the the value of demersals fell by 18 per cent, while the value of fishermen are the backbone of coastal years of eating Japanese curry in small pelagics increased by 59 per cent compared to July 2019, with HFIG aims to protect and promote we work as our projects progress. The pioneering project will see YMRC but also, in general, to our communities and are custodians of their ‘mom and pop’ restaurants across the local fishery grounds and “The partnership between important research being undertaken Holderness Coast and its people the month seeing an increase of around 50 per cent in herring small patch of the sea,” he says. Asia, Fish’n’Chip fish fingers, first volumes landed on the same month last year, with a value that to facilitate co-operation and HFIG and Ørsted has had a very on the precious habitat of native who rely upon a healthy coastal With over 20 years’ experience born in one of Aarik’s restaurants in coexistence with other marine positive impact on the way the marine species. Upon completion of ecosystem for their prosperity.” increased by 150 per cent. working as a chef, Aarik has led Hong Kong, as well as a Brixham The under 12m fleet continues to be most impacted, in sectors, including companies such two organisations work together. the various studies, healthy juvenile Courtney French, Ørsted kitchens across the world, such as Lobster Mac and Cheese. He also has as Ørsted. It’s fantastic to see our partnership shellfish will be released back into Commercial Fisheries Manager, particular 10-12m vessels. Though both segments have been hard Toronto, Sydney, Bali, Hong Kong, and a salt fridge which is used to dry age hit, since June, under 10s have seen a better recovery than the Having worked with HFIG for flourish on a project like this the sea, acting as a form of stock said, “Through the ECPF, HFIG London. In Asia, he owned a series of the larger fish, reducing the moisture a number of years and with four innovative facility. We’re both enhancement. and Ørsted are fast becoming 10-12m fleet, with quantity and value of landings down by 23 per butcheries, which operated on a nose-to- content and concentrating the flavour. cent and 39 per cent respectively in July. offshore wind farms located within hoping to better understand and Dr John A. Terschak, laboratory the centre of excellence for tail mantra of using the whole animal. “For me, one of the most important the group’s remit reach, Ørsted’s minimise impact on the North Sea’s manager and facility marine crustacean fisheries and wind farm This can be explained by the reliance of the 10-12m fleet on Furloughed during lockdown from his things that I can do is to show my shellfish and the decrease in its quantity and value. On top of this, East Coast Projects have committed ecology, and the new research will scientist said, “The Yorkshire development research. executive chef position in a high-end local community the importance of to a 10 year research sponsorship, show us how best to accomplish this Marine Research Centre, being a “Through scientific collaboration 10-12m vessels also catch a lower proportion of pelagics than the restaurant in Soho, London, Aarik was supporting their local fishing fleet and other size categories, so they have not benefited as much from the to better understand the impacts together.” quay-side laboratory, complements such as this, we are able to fill data determined to get back to work and so teaching them about the abundance of of offshore wind on the North Sea Whilst the new centre will the at-sea program taking place gaps and feed into the knowledge of strong recovery there. developed the plan for Cormacks. fresh, delicious seasonal seafood that By vessel nationality, in July Wales saw the greatest decrease ecology. not be open to the public, it will aboard our dedicated research impacts which can be shared around At the shop, Aarik brings his is landed right here. We are fortunate In 2013, Ørsted funded a publicly display research findings vessel, R/V Huntress. Combining the global markets. It is hoped that in the value of landings (57 per cent) and quantity landed (42 per culinary experience and knowledge enough to be able to access seafood that cent), which can be attributed to the fact that the Welsh fleet is long-term study led by HFIG for passers-by to view. A schedule these resources will allow us the research undertaken through the to transform the seafood into a range is fresh off the boat, so why would I fisheries scientist Mike Roach that of live Q&A sessions with scientists to conduct robust and relevant ECRF will provide significant value proportionately smaller than in other areas around the UK, and of ready to cook products. “There are promote anything else?” relies heavily on shellfish. examined the ecological effects will also be promoted throughout scientific investigations into the in easing fishermen’s concerns some amazing parts of a fish which are For more information visit of the construction and operation the year for anyone to attend. North Sea’s ecology, biology, and about offshore wind developments.” often discarded, such as the cheeks, www.cormacksseafood.co.uk

18 News INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 INTERNATIONAL News 19

SCOTLAND NEWS Aquaculture contributes to long-term viability of coastal communities MAIB Report: Fatal man overboard from May C he aquaculture industry of the COVID-19 pandemic the such as engineering, science, fish Up-to-date statistics on the size of contributes to the long- Scottish Government will continue husbandry, fish health, feeding and the aquaculture sector in Scotland Tterm viability of many to work to preserve the future of biology. are due to be published in October, Safety Flyer to the Fishing Industry communities, according to a new Scotland’s aquaculture sector and the The report found part of the but Scotland currently accounts report, which also highlights the social fabric of our remote and rural challenge in attracting employees was for around two-thirds of total he Marine Accident importance of a skilled workforce to communities.” linked to limited infrastructure and employment in the UK. Investigation Branch’s May C the future of the sector. The Supporting the Economic, lack of access to local services and According to the publication report on the investigation Commissioned by Marine Social and Environmental amenities. Employers in Ullapool and Marine Economic Statistics, there T Scotland, the report found the sector Sustainability of the UK’s Marine on the Isle of Rum have tackled this were 2,240 people directly employed of the fatal man overboard from provides year-round, well-paid jobs the May C, at Loch Carnan, Outer Sectors report—by economic and by developing their own housing in by the aquaculture sector in Scotland and supports economic growth in social research group ekosgen—also partnership with local communities. in 2017. A further research report Hebrides, Scotland last year was rural, coastal and island areas. highlights key challenges, which Completed in January 2020, the on the wider economic impact of published at the beginning of It said UK aquaculture—the include employers recruiting and report’s publication was delayed on aquaculture in Scotland is due to be September. majority of which is located in retaining the skills they need in areas account of the COVID-19 pandemic. published this autumn. At about 12.30 on 24 July Scotland—also supports a wider 2019, the owner/skipper of the and more geographically dispersed single-handed creel fishing boat, supply chain including processing, Michael Monk, was found face distribution, feed supply and export. Kilkeel’s 86.4m Voyager N 905 pulling away from the Morrison down and unconscious in the Rural Economy Secretary Fergus dock in Lerwick, heading up to Pelagia Shetland to land the sea by the crew of the fishing Ewing said: “This report highlights 600 ton of herring aboard. (Credit: Charlie Umphray) boat, Sparkling Star, another once again just how significant small creel boat that was working aquaculture is to Scotland’s rural the same area. economy and the viability of our Despite being recovered island and coastal communities. by Sparkling Star’s crew, the “The level of annual earnings for May C’s skipper could not be employees in these remote and island resuscitated. A post mortem locations is significant and often not examination later established he readily available from other jobs in these locations. had drowned. importance of wearing a PFD, and place to prevent crew falling over to recognise the severe hazard “Having a skilled and flexible Though the exact circumstances previous safety recommendations the side. associated with falling overboard. of the accident are unknown, workforce will be a key factor in the made by the MAIB, no further The skipper was not wearing The best way to combat this is to future success of Scottish aquaculture. according to the MAIB, it is recommendations regarding his PFD or carrying his ensure that every precaution has That’s why we continue to work likely the May C’s skipper fell single-handed fishing have been PLB when he fell in the sea; been taken to prevent going in the with our partners to promote skills overboard when trying to clear the included in the report. indeed, neither piece of safety sea in the first place, and if that development and to encourage new boat’s propeller of weed or other The safety flyer to the fishing equipment was on board. Wearing does happen, then measures are in entrants to consider this crucial sector fouling. industry identifies the following a PFD significantly increases the place to increase your chances of as a viable career path. In terms of key safety issues lessons: chances of keeping your head survival and rescue. “Given the significant impact identified, the report goes on to The exact circumstances of this and face clear of the water when Every fishing vessel should state that the skipper could not accident are unknown because the falling into the sea, preventing have a method of recovering a swim, was probably tired and was skipper’s fall overboard was not seawater ingestion during the gasp man overboard back into the not wearing a personal flotation witnessed. However, the boat’s reflex associated with cold water boat. The fact that the two crew Skipper device (PFD), nor was he carrying engine was found in the raised shock. Equally, the carriage of of the fishing boat who found PRESENTSThe a personal locator beacon (PLB). position so it is most likely that he a PLB will provide an immediate May C’s skipper were unable This meant that his chances fell overboard and drowned while and effective means of raising the to immediately recover him out of survival were very low when trying to clear weed or some other alarm in an emergency, and it will of the water is testament of the alone and falling into cold water. obstruction from the propeller. To guide the search and rescue assets extreme physical effort required Wearing a PFD and carrying a get to the propeller the skipper to the location. to haul someone out of the PLB aids survival and ensures had to climb onto May C’s narrow Single-handed fishing sea. For that reason, it is very you have a reliable method of transom, which circumvented the operations are extremely important to have a ready means raising the alarm to get help. only significant safety barrier to hazardous, primarily because of recovering a person from the Given the industry initiatives prevent him falling overboard, the there is no-one there to help if you water and to conduct regular to increase awareness of the raised guardrails, specifically in get into difficulties. It is important manoverboard recovery drills. P&J LIVE, ABERDEEN OPENING TIMES Scottish Processors call for review of Seafish | Fri 10-6 RESCHEDULED and Seafood Scotland remits Sat 10-4 SHOW DATES cotland’s seafood processors to embrace change, the SSA “To seize these opportunities and commissioned projects, SSA is are demanding an urgent notes that Seafish’s role has allow every part of our industry seeking reform. Sreview into the role of the become blurred with that of other to thrive, we must ensure that Instead, a percentage of 14-15 MAY 2021 government-supported industry organisations in the sector such our marketing of this world-class turnover from stakeholders who bodies Seafish and Seafood as Seafood Scotland “leading to a products is equally world-class. choose to subscribe—processor, Scotland. confused landscape of bodies with “That is why we need an harvester or grower—would be Portavogie Harbour. Image by Stephen McKee According to the Scottish overlapping remits”. honest appraisal of the structures, levied. WWW.THESKIPPER.IE Seafood Association (SSA), SSA chief executive Jimmy functions and funding of Seafish It would then be “optional which represents processors, Buchan said: “The seafood industry and Seafood Scotland.” to join the organisation and use Email: [email protected] Seafish has become remote to is on the cusp of new opportunities In relation to funding, which the marketing and brand, the M: 00353 (0)86 8401250 T: 00353 (0)74 9548037 many in the sector. for all sectors: more fish caught, is currently via a levy paid by technical resources, responsible IPPE SKIPP SKIPP K R H ER H E S E S S R The I E I In a paper designed to kick- more landed, more processed and the processing sector, suppliers fisheries management, H X T E L X X

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start debate on the issue and transported and sold across the UK of imported seafood, farmers environmental schemes and R&D mara S encourage the UK government and around the world. of shellfish and third-party programs”, the paper states. media Skipper 20 News INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 INTERNATIONAL News 21

Delays add extra half a million to Toft Pier bill SHETLAND NEWS By Hans J Marter and Chris Cope / www.shetnews.co.uk ELAYS to rebuilding Toft increased costs of approximately Devon-based contractor Teignmouth large chunk of the summer weather Pier are set to cost Shetland £525k on this project”. Marine Services. had been missed. Discarded fishing gear a growing problem DIslands Council over half a Lerwick councillor Amanda Around one-third of the £2.9 Piling works took place from late million pounds extra. Hawick said the increased cost was million cost is being covered by August to November, and as a result The project, originally priced at “just not good enough” and she grant money from the European of Christmas and the weather the OCAL fishermen have again food wrappers on the seabed. £2.9 million, has faced a melting pot expressed concern over where the Maritime and Fisheries Fund contractor demobilised in December raised concerns about the “This type of incident is not of delays including trouble gaining extra half a million may come from. (EMFF). and only returned in March – just amount of rubbish such as isolated to our vessel, all trawlers consents and licences, weather and The timetable for completion of Marine and airport infrastructure before the lockdown kicked in. L the COVID-19 lockdown. the project is now winter 2020. manager Andrew Inkster told the Inkster said he was “very discarded gear they come across operating up and down in the areas when fishing the waters around where these longliners/gill netters A report to the harbour said The project to rebuild and extend meeting that work was meant to disappointed” with the additional Shetland. have operated find large amounts of that “despite significant effort to the run-down pier was approved by start in June last year but unforeseen cost but was comfortable the They say they constantly haul discarded rubbish.” minimise additional costs, the councillors last year, with the hope problems with obtaining licences council had done what it could. up stripped back gill nets and large All fishing ports in Scotland weather related delays, unforeseen that it could attract more fishing meant it only got underway in Inkster said he was “absolutely quantities of long lines, bundled up provide skips for fishermen to get ground conditions and COVID-19 traffic. August. satisfied that the contractor priced and thrown overboard allegedly by rid of their domestic waste, and restrictions have resulted in The work is being carried out by With the start date slipping, a the job correctly”. European fishing vessels. most ports are also participating The issue is not new but appears in the Fishing for Litter initiative to have become worse over recent which encourages fishing crew to months around Shetland. take ashore any rubbish they haul Shetland Fishermen’s up in their nets. Discarded gear Association (SFA) said discarded The number of Spanish- and nets not only pose a navigational French-owned gill netters operating mainly to the west of Scotland as so that you know where is comes French and Spanish owned long far north as Shetland is a constant from when found discarded. The liners and gill netters which source of dispute, and occasional issue is to find a technical way of operate in the waters around confrontation, as large areas of sea doing that. Shetland”. are covered by gill nets. “There is also a reputational It added: “There have also been They usually land at Scrabster, issue for us. The whole fishing stories of aggressive behaviour and Kinlochbervie or Lochinver from industry gets contaminated with closing off vast areas of seabed. where their catch is taken by truck this, because fishing gear look “One of these alleged incidents to southern Europe. like fishing gear to a passer-by was videoed and well publicised SFA executive officer Simon or a casual tourist, whereas local recently. The problem does not Collins said they have been fishermen are proud of doing their seem to be going away, even one discussing their concern with bit in tidying up the mess others of our own ferries, the MV Filla, government agencies such as leave behind.” has wound up in this gear in Marine Scotland and the Maritime Meanwhile, Shetland Islands recent months. and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Council is to make a formal “In a short time period, I was He said one part of the solution representation to the Scottish able to obtain many photos taken will be to limit the amount of Government and the MCA on the by local vessels of gear they have gill netters allowed to fish in UK issue of discarded fishing gear. either trawled up or have been waters, and that is something North Isles members Duncan fouled with. Some of these are A welcome sight amongst the modern day under 10m jiggers with new Marine Scotland is in the process Anderson and Alec Priest won the included with this agenda. technology auto lines. An old-style Shetland built wooden boat out trying of working out proposals for when support from fellow councillors “With the condition of the for a mackerel fry for lunch. (Credit: Ivan Reid) the Brexit transition period has when their motion to take action marine environment being come to an end next year. was discussed in the council of paramount importance to Collins added: “It is a growing chamber earlier in September. Shetland, I would like to move problem around Shetland simply The motion highlighted the that the Shetland Islands Council Shetland fishermen have raised because of the increased presence problem of the “increasing makes official representation concerns about the amount of Carmichael bids to make fishing safer by adding discarded gear they are hauling in of these vessels. level of marine pollution from to Marine Scotland, the MCA “One particular thing that might discarded fishing gear, primarily and the Scottish Government to help is the idea of marking nets of the type utilised by mainly address this growing problem.” to MCA’s responsibilities

hazard, but they also pollute the ORTHERN Isles MP the Lerwick registered whitefish of the MCA but the agency’s its second reading in parliament seas with plastic, damage marine Alistair Carmichael is trawler Alison Kay posted video enforcement powers do not go earlier in September, will set the life and undermine the reputation of hoping to introduce an footage of a confrontation with beyond the 12-mile limit. framework as to how fisheries the local industry when pictures of Shetland’s 70m Adenia leaving Lerwick heading N amendment to the post-Brexit the German registered fishing At the time, both the MCA and will be managed within the four beaches littered with rubbish make north ready to start the search for this year’s (Credit: Ivan Reid) Fisheries Bill with the aim boat Pesorsa Dos in which the the German Federal Bureau for nations once the UK has left the the rounds. herring quota. of giving the Maritime and crew of the Spanish owned gill Maritime Casualty Investigation EU. One local fisherman who Coastguard Agency (MCA) netter allegedly tried to run a rope described the evidence circulated “The government needs to preferred not to be named said: powers to investigate safety through the Alison Kay’s propeller, as “dangerous” and said it “could think seriously about how we will “It is well known fact that when breaches at sea outwith the 12- 30 miles west of Shetland. have had serious consequences”. practically manage our waters and these [EU] vessels land their mile boundary. At the time the incident was The German police, meanwhile, enforce the law in future. There catches, they never take ashore any The Shetland and Orkney reported to Marine Scotland, are quoted as saying that there was needs to be a clear mechanism for rubbish.” MP’s move comes after several the MCA as well as the German no suspicion of a criminal offence enforcement and clarity on the A number of photos taken by such alleged breaches occurring authorities. under German law. agency with jurisdiction. crew on various vessels illustrate in the waters to the west of However, because the incident Carmichael said the Fisheries “If ministers just sit on their the extent of the problem. Shetland and, although reported was not deemed a fishery offence Bill was the appropriate hands then even after we take back The fisherman added: “The to the authorities, they were never but one that had the potential to mechanism to ensure fishermen control of fisheries we will still lorries which come from Spain to investigated and always left as endanger the lives and safety of were protected. face dangerous incidents like the fetch their catch always load large “somebody else’s problem”. fishermen, Marine Scotland had no “We already know that we could case of the Pesorsa Dos, with local bails of new gill netting, but none “I want to bring forward an powers to act. and should have been enforcing fishermen the ones to suffer. That is ever taken ashore for discard. amendment that would make clear Scottish Fisheries Secretary better behaviour in fisheries even has to change.” “No authority seem to check that the MCA not just has the right Fergus Ewing said in response to a before Brexit, as recent cases have Executive Officer with the whether or not these vessels have but the responsibility to police recent parliamentary question that demonstrated. After we leave the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, any rubbish to land ashore when safe practices for all those fishing the government agency had sent transition period on the 31st of Simon Collins, welcomed the they come to port. A vessel with within the UK territorial waters,” one of its patrol vessels to diffuse December there will be no more move to close the safety gap at sea, 15-20 men at sea for two to three Carmichael said. the incident. excuses,” he said. adding that there had been “a lot of weeks will be generating a lot of In June this year, the crew of Safety at sea is one of the roles The Fisheries Bill, which had close shaves” over the years. rubbish. We constantly find Spanish 22 News INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 INTERNATIONAL News 23

ORKNEY NEWS By Craig Taylor ICELAND NEWS By Gudjón Einarsson New tugs steam into Stromness Mackerel retreats rkney’s two new tugs arrived by the three older tugs that have in Stromness on September operated from Scapa for more than from Iceland O16, after a long sea journey 30 years. The new tugs will replace from Turkey. two of the current fleet. The vessels set off 17 days earlier “All involved are delighted to see ately, the North East Atlantic most of Iceland´s mackerel quota, from the shipyard where they were the tugs arrive in local waters,” said Orkney’s two new tugs arrived home in September mackerel stock has been is in a better position. It can operate built, and on arrival had completed Graham Sinclair, Chair of Orkney Laltering its summer migration freely in international waters east a non-stop voyage of 3,500 nautical Islands Council’s Development and pattern. Instead of taking a westward of Iceland in a situation like this. miles, which has taken them through Infrastructure Committee. service we’ve provided for the Flotta public poll and will each cost £6.1 turn towards Iceland and Greenland, And so, it has done. The Icelandic the Mediterranean, past Gibraltar, “Scapa Flow is internationally Terminal over many decades.” million. as it did to a considerable degree mackerel quota this year amounts to along the coast of Portugal, across recognised as a pre-eminent location The design and build contract for They will be handed over to during the period 2010-2017, most 168,000 tons. In early September, the Bay of Biscay, through the for a broad portfolio of maritime the 32-metre tugs was secured by Orkney Islands Council after sea of the stock has now been heading 140,000 tons had already been English Channel and up the east activity. Sanmar Shipyards of Turkey after trials have taken place and, until straight north to the Norwegian Sea, harvested, 94,000 tons (66%) of coast of Britain, before crossing “The tugs will play a vital role at a competitive tendering exercise. then, will carry their temporary avoiding Iceland. which were caught in international the Pentland Firth and heading into the heart of our harbour operations, Sanmar operate a specialist tug Turkish names, Kocacay and waters and the rest in Iceland’s Scapa Flow. helping us make the most of building facility. Kocacay II. Down to 4% jurisdiction. During their passage through the current and future marine business The tugs were named Odin of A naming ceremony will take place Flow, they were flanked for a time opportunities and maintain the Scapa and Thor of Scapa after a at a later date. As late as in the summer of 2017, Important contributor around 38% of the total mackerel stock was registered in Icelandic Ever since the mackerel started jurisdiction. For the next two migrating to Iceland in 2006 this Orkney Harbours officially launches ambitious vision for a sustainable years, the rate reduced to 17-18% newcomer has played an important but this summer it dropped to 4%, role in Iceland’s economy and has future with £230 million Masterplan according to multinational research become one of the country’s most expeditions. Scientists at the Marine important fish species. This year he Orkney Harbours opportunities associated with harbour this infrastructure has the capability develop the significant strategic and and Freshwater Research Institute of it will generate around 25 billion Masterplan Phase 1 considers infrastructure around Orkney to accommodate semi-submersible international opportunities Scapa Iceland do not have an explanation Icelandic kronas, the equivalent of Tfive main locations on through workshops and interviews. platforms of all types, giving Flow offers. for this, and point out that there have 150 million Euros. That is almost the Orkney mainland. Proposals The range of stakeholders includes Orkney a unique UK competitive “The Scapa Deep Water Quay not been any dramatic changes in sea 10% of the total value of seafood focus on harbour infrastructure local communities, harbour users, edge within the existing oil and gas proposal has been included in the temperature or supply of food for the exports. enhancements over a 20-year period potential funders and environmental market. The project team believes it Islands Deal list of projects that has mackerel in Icelandic waters during that will generate jobs, additional bodies such as Scottish Natural could be delivered by 2025. Other received funding commitment from this period. No general agreement revenue and attract new business. It Heritage. proposals, such as Hatston and the Scottish and UK governments, represents the first step in a review Phase 1 focuses on the Scapa Kirkwall could take three or four and we are continuing to ensure that Small boat fleet hard hit Iceland shares the mackerel stock of Orkney Harbour Authority-owned Deep Water Quay; Hatston Pier; years to deliver. the funding earmarked for this will with the EU, Norway and the Faroe infrastructure to create a base for Kirkwall Pier; Scapa Pier; and Orkney Islands Council Leader be secured.” The absence of mackerel from Islands as well as Greenland and innovation and secure the long-term Stromness. Phase 2 will ultimately James Stockan said: “Our vision is to Chairman of the council’s future for the community. develop the Islands’ smaller harbours build a truly sustainable business that Development and Infrastructure the coasts of Iceland has been Russia. Since 2014, the EU, Norway The Masterplan embraces and piers across the archipelago. is a core economic asset for Orkney, Committee and Harbour Sub especially disappointing for the small and the Faroe Islands have had an decarbonisation and transition away Orkney Islands Council, the but also a first phase in enabling a Committee Graham Sinclair said: boat fleet which relies on inshore agreement allocating themselves from fossil fuels. The infrastructure Statutory Harbour Authority, has scale of investment and logistical “The Masterplan seeks to build on fishing. The total mackerel catch of 84.4% of the total allowable catch proposals have been designed to overall responsibility for the project. capability for the UK which will be the decades of marine expertise and small boats peaked in 2016 when advocated by ICES (the EU gets enable Orkney to manage this Central to the project is the of international significance. activity across Orkney and create it amounted to 8,300 tons. Then it 49.3%, Norway 22.5% and the Faroe transition while continuing to unique geographical advantage “Prime Minister Boris Johnson new facilities which will consolidate gradually diminished to 2,000 tons Islands 12.6%). The rest, 15.6%, is generate social and economic benefit of Scapa Flow, the largest natural clearly welcomed our ambition and Orkney’s position on the maritime last year and only eight tons were left behind for Iceland, Greenland from ongoing oil and gas activity. deep-water harbour in the northern Orkney’s potential during his recent map for the 21st century.” caught this summer. Many small boat and Russia. Iceland has not complied An Outline Business Case hemisphere, as the potential setting visit to our islands. Describing as a Harbour Master James Buck owners had been gearing up for this with this arrangement and still claims commissioned by Orkney Marine for internationally significant ‘fantastic idea’ our vision for Orkney said: “Tackling decarbonisation is new fishery in recent years at great 16.5% of the total quota, based Services found that the proposals will marine logistics to serve the new as a low-carbon, zero-emissions hub the strand that binds these proposals expense. Their investment has now mainly on the distribution of the have a transformational impact on and emerging sectors including low of innovation, with Scapa Flow at together providing infrastructure and come to nothing. stock during summer. It is too soon Orkney’s economy and society, with carbon fuel transition and offshore its heart. knowledge for renewable energy to predict whether the change in as many as 115 new jobs created. In wind developments. “We believe the time is right to developments around our waters will 66% caught in international waters the current distribution of the stock addition, there will be a substantial Scapa Deep Water Quay is seen as maximise the incredible natural allow us to reach climate change will be persistent and whether it will Mackerel fishing in Iceland number of job opportunities during the optimal location for construction assets and geography of Scapa targets. We will also look at the The pelagic fleet, which possesses influence future negotiations. the construction phase. and Operations & Maintenance Flow and Orkney to ensure a potential for net environmental gain Harbour users and key activities associated with offshore long-term sustainable future for through habitat reinstatement and stakeholders were consulted from the wind, as well as for a Liquefied our communities. We are open for enhancement.” outset to help gain an understanding Natural Gas (LNG) storage and business now and ready to work with More information is available at: of the issues, constraints and distribution hub. At the same time, potential investors and operators to www.orkneyharboursmasterplan. New fishing year

he first of September marks the “Free” fishing The cod quota was slashed by 6% compared Portable building donated to trust ONGHOPE Lifeboat Museum us, in time, to extend our much beginning of a new fishing year in to the previous fishing year. Pelagic quotas are Trust have had a portable needed exhibition and display area, TIceland. The number of vessels with In addition, small boats without fishing excluded and will be allocated later. Lbuilding donated to them, which we hope will enrich the visual fishing quotas continues to shrink. This time quotas can take advantage of a system which which will enable the organisation to experience of visitors to our museum. The portable building in place at the Longhope 421 ships and boats were allocated a quota allows “free” fishing in the summer but only Largest quota holders Lifeboat Museum.(Credit: Mary Harris) extend a display area in the future. “We would also like to thank all compared to 466 a year ago. The number of with two reels, for a limited number of days Trust members said they would those involved in the transportation small boats with quotas is now 290 (down and a limited daily catch. This summer, over With 9.4% the largest quota holder is very much like to thank Jim Buck, of it, to its present location, by the from 848 fifteen years ago), there are 41 stern 600 boats took part in this fishery, sharing a Brim in Reykjavik. Together, the five largest Richard Wild and the Orkney museum at Brims. trawlers in operation (compared to 66 in the quota of 11,000 tons, mostly cod. companies possess 32% of the total quota, the Harbours Department for donating a “Although closed at the moment year 2005), and the rest of the fleet numbers The allocation of quotas this time around ten largest own 52%, the twenty largest hold building to the trust, as a replacement due to COVID-19 restrictions we 90 vessels (down from 197 one and half amounted to 359,000 tons, 202,000 tons of 73%, while the fifty largest have 90% of the for the old one. look forward to opening again next decades ago). which were cod, the most valuable species. total quota at their disposal. The trust added: “This will allow year once it is safe to do so.” 24 NewsBoat SEAN ÓG OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 BOATS, GEAR & PR SEAN ÓG Boat 25

All images by Cathal Ó hUallacháin Ceara Russell of G Smyth Boats highlight that over the years says, “Being a previous customer and course of his boats, Pat of G Smyth Boats, the first Sean O’Regan in the Department’s SEAN ÓG Óg was a GM7M, Gerry was keen Fishing Boat Licensing Division to complete this Cyclone model down in Clonakilty has always for Eoin.” been extremely helpful. The Arriving back into Skerries pier With respect the build itself she new Sean Óg was no exception, says, “The team worked closely he says, and the vessel has had with Eoin to customise the vessel plenty of time to prove her fishing to his fishing style. Eoin was very credentials since arriving home. much the designer of his finished Designed for potting, Eoin vessel and all the equipment, fishes alongside his brother engine and hauling systems were Johnathan for crab and researched by Eoin.” lobsters that are sold locally. Powered by a Kirwan In conjunction with speed and Marine supplied Iveco FPT 67 efficiency, comfort was at the fore MNT 24V with live PTO main of both of their minds with the engine, connected to a twin-disc new boat. Less physicality and MG5050A 2:1 ratio gearbox, less lifting, says Eoin. “We’re powering a Clements 19” x 25.5” not getting any younger,” says 5BL RH hyperform propeller, the Johnathan. vessel is finished to an extremely The roller system and self- high standard throughout. shooting doors onboard certainly William Boylan of Skerries help with that, while the new Marine Electric Ltd did the landing derrick makes landing electrics onboard, with work into Skerries (which is difficult also carried out for the yard by at the best of times) much more Ashley Maginnis Electrics. The straightforward, explains Eoin. vessel’s pumps were supplied by Insured by Aquabroker Ltd, Killybegs’ SeaQuest Systems, safety equipment onboard the steering system by Helmsman was supplied by Eoin himself, FACT FILE Systems, while the hauler alongside Kilkeel suppliers KTS onboard was supplied by KK Sea Safety, while much of the NAME: SEAN ÓG Hydraulics. gear onboard was supplied by REGISTRATION: D688P Much of the impressive Cavanagh Nets and Swan-Net HOME PORT: SKERRIES wheelhouse kit onboard was Gundry. supplied by Eoin himself – some Reflecting on the build for the SKIPPER: EOIN DUFF Plenty of deck space off his previous vessel, with North County Dublin skipper NEW BOAT CREW: FISHING WITH 1 additional new kit supplied further, the yard’s Ceara Russell YARD: FM MARINE by Macduff’s Echomaster continues, “It was a pleasure to SERVICES, FITTED OUT BY Marine including a Simrad complete the build for Eoin, he G.SMYTH BOATS LTD AP60 Autopilot Package with has been a friend from the time NEW CYGNUS CYCLONE TYPE: CYGNUS CYCLONE FU80 Steering Lever and PR15 we completed his GM7M. It was LENGTH OVERALL: 7.92M Reversible Pump, and a Simrad our first Cyclone and his research BEAM: 3.4M NSS12 Evo2 Multifunction and planning made our job as a FOR SKERRIES SKIPPER DRAUGHT: 0.9M Display with HALO20+ Radar boat builder much easier. and SS75H Transducer. “The boat has been finished After careful planning, the to a very high standard. A lot of vessel was successfully launched care has been taken to use marine Skerries pier is 7.92 metres in the pier, the Skerries native, who planning hull, it’s not surprising early this summer, and following grade stainless steel were able for By Lia ní Aodha length, with a beam of 3.4 metres has been fishing all of his life, then he went for the Cygnus final fit-out and sea trials made fittings and finishes,” she says. and a draught of 0.9 metres. explains that despite the GM7M’s Cyclone. her way home from Kilkeel to “We hope that Eoin gets another uilt by FM Marine Services Named after his thirteen-year- excellent handling abilities and The first Cyclone to be fitted Skerries on June 24. With plenty 10+ years from this vessel and if Ltd and fitted out in Kilkeel old son, Seán, the vessel is a efficient working platform he out by G Smyth Boats, Eoin of praise for the build team, Joel he looks to upgrade again we will Bby G Smyth Boats Ltd for replacement for Eoin’s previous wanted to upgrade to a faster boat explains that since having his last Chambers who led the build make room for him at G Smyth skipper-owner Eoin Duff, Sean vessel, a 2012 G Smyth built that would maximise the capacity boat built at the yard he and Gerry deserves special mention, says the Boats.” Óg D688P is the latest Cyclone GM7M of the same name which that he had. have become lifelong friends, and Skerries skipper. The Skipper team would like to to be added to Ireland’s inshore was recently bought by a buyer in With plenty of deck space for deciding to go to Kilkeel with his In terms of the oftentimes wish Eoin, Johnathan, and their fleet. Renowned for their stability Ballywalter, north of Portavogie. working and gear, and known for latest vessel was an easy decision. arduous processing of licensing families every success and safe L-R Johnathan and Eoin Duff at sea, the newest addition to Speaking to The Skipper on their capacity for speed with their Echoing those sentiments, a new vessel, Eoin is quick to fishing with the new Sean Óg.

KK Hydraulics Limited CWS Complex, Cygnus - Murphy Rock Street, Tralee, Cavanagh Nets Ltd. Co Kerry, Ireland Fishing Gear Manufacturers & Suppliers Marine Services Email: [email protected] We wish Eoin, Wishing Eoin, CONGRATULATIONS TO Johnathan & Eoin, Jonathan & Family of The MFV Sean Og – Johnathan & family We wish you safe and successful fishing with your new vessel EOIN, JOHNATHAN & family many every success with years of safe The Sean Og. We are proud to have been chosen to supply you FAMILY WITH YOUR NEW and successful your new vessel with potting gear, ropes, marker buoys and safety items for your VESSEL “SEAN OG”. fishing with “SEAN OG” new vessel. Best wishes from all at Cavanagh Nets Ltd WISHING YOU MANY your new vessel Proud to have YEARS OF SAFE AND “SEAN OG”. supplied your vessel SUCCESSFUL FISHING.

57-59, The Harbour, Kilkeel, Co. Down, N.Ireland, BT34 4AX Tel: +353 (0)66-7122768 T: 00353 (0)66 947 6883 Mob: 00353 (0)87 280 9861 Email: [email protected] | Web: www.gsmythboats.com Sales: +353 (0)87-2214004 (Willie) Sales: +353 (0)87-2606374 (Jakes) E: [email protected] Tel: 0044 (0)28 417 61010 | Mobile: 0044 (0)7711452763 Web: www.kkhydraulics.ie Email: [email protected] W: www.cygnusboats.com 26 Boat SEAN ÓG OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 News 27

New harbour basin for newbuilds ready in Thyborøn Immaculately kept, the Sean Óg is finished Skipper Eoin Duff on the pier in Skerries to an extremely high spec Port also boasts new state-of-the-art discharging quay facilities

he Port of Thyboron has its roots in fishing, and fishing Newly renovated harbour basin for newbuilds ensures efficient workflows as the work “Tremains very important takes place on the quay directly opposite Thyborøn Skibs & Motor A/S and Kynde & Toft A/S. for the port. Overall, the fishing industry here accounts for about half of revenue, and we’re ranked third among the largest Danish fishing ports. Therefore, it’s also strategically important to ensure that our port facilities continue to support fishing activities and the work of the fishermen, and that we generally keep pace with developments,” explains Jesper Holt Jensen, Managing Director, Port of Thyborøn. Sean Óg is the newest addition to Skerries’ small fleet With fishing the pace of development is rapid, fishing vessels continue to grow in size, and new demands are being made of the industry. Therefore, the Port of Thyborøn always engages in close dialogue with those using the harbour basins before new port facilities are planned to ensure that the best possible solutions are found and that the infrastructure takes users’ needs into account. for Orkney skipper Iain Harcus and In line with this, the Port has partners, the vessel was designed renovated 402 quay metres in the by Ove Kristensen and fitted out by Vestre Inderhavn basin, and in Kynde & Toft A/S. doing so has created brand-new In total, DKK 97 million has facilities for the construction of been invested in new port facilities new fishing vessels for the two at Thyborøn. Where DKK 22 companies behind Thyborøn million has been invested in the Shipyard – Kynde & Toft A/S and Vestre Inderhavn basin, which is Thyborøn Skibs & Motor A/S. used for fitting out new fishing The water depth in the basin, vessels, DKK 75 million has been which originally dates back to invested in new state-of-the-art 1935, has been increased from four discharging quay facilities at the to six metres, which means that fishmeal factory TripleNine A/S. considerably larger fishing vessels The Port of Thyborøn has than before can now be built here, invested DKK 40 million in the and companies can now also carry new 290-metre-long quay, while out heeling and stability tests TripleNine A/S has invested DKK The 160 metres of new landing quay provides fishermen with in the same basin in which the 35 million in brand-new landing plenty of space and working conditions which are second to none. vessels are built. facilities. The result is a modern “This is considerably more and highly efficient discharging efficient, and reduces costs when all plant for fishermen. the work involved with a newbuild Everything has been designed started in 2018 and was completed tank system that increases capacity can be carried out without having to with fishermen in mind to provide in summer 2020, has proceeded by 1,900 cubic metres and links move the vessel at any stage. As a perfect working conditions at as planned without any stoppages, the existing plants together. port we’re very happy to contribute the port. The approach to the and fishermen have been able In addition to the 160 quay to cost optimisation by building quay has been simplified, as the to discharge fish at the fishmeal metres of discharging quay, which the right infrastructure for the old discharging piers have been and fish oil factory throughout has been named Sperlingkaj, a companies based here,” says Jesper removed and replaced by 160 the entire construction period, further 130 metres of new quay, KIRWAN TECHNICAL SERVICES Holt Jensen. metres of brand-new quay. with production running without called Oliekaj, have been built in MARINE, TECHNICAL AND ELECTRICAL SERVICE In conjunction with the project, The layout of the new quay area interruption. connection with the construction 167 metres of new quay with good allows fishermen to restock their The new discharging facilities project, which can be used for vehicular access has been built for vessels and even have service work have resulted in an increased bunker fuel deliveries, but also CONGRATULATIONS SEAN OG fishing activities at Isværkkaj, in carried out at the same time as their pace of activity. Discharging is as a waiting berth for industrial particular for transit fishermen from catches are being discharged. The considerably faster today, with two fishing vessels when there are TO EOIN, JOHNATHAN the Netherlands and Belgium, as new quay provides easy access parallel draining plants which can no imminent fuel deliveries on & FAMILY WITH YOUR well as Danish fishermen landing for maritime service companies, remove as much as 400 tonnes an the way. Therefore, there is now fish for human consumption. which can perform work during hour. By comparison, the factory plenty of space in the port for Best wishes to the owners and crew from Seaquest discharging operations. used to receive 150 tonnes an NEW VESSEL systems, proud suppliers of the new Sean Óg. With a constant stream of large pelagic fishing vessels in SEAN OG. newbuilds and non-stop work at The harbour basin has been hour. The increase will make a big Thyborøn. Thyborøn for years, there were deepened so that the water depth at difference in terms of how quickly “It has required detailed WISHING YOU SAFE no stoppages at all during the the new quay is now nine metres. vessels can return to sea. planning of the building process FISHING AND EVERY renovation work on the harbour The quay has been prepared for Supplies can also be delivered to avoid stoppages, and we’re basin, and the first vessels have a water depth of 10 metres as a much faster. The local water delighted that this has succeeded SUCCESS. already been built and subsequently future-proofing measure, and the company is now able to supply in full. Today, we have a fully commissioned. Included among Port is still working hard to have fresh water at an impressive upgraded harbour, where even the them is the recently delivered Thyborøn Kanal deepened to a 160 cubic metres an hour, while oldest of our basins meet current Address: Kirwan Marine, Terryglass, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Aalskere (which featured in the depth of 10 metres during 2021. the bunker fuel supplier Nordic needs,” says the Port’s Managing M: +353 87 257 3445 E: [email protected] W: www.kirwanmarine.ie May issue of The Skipper). Built The construction work, which Marine Oil has built a new MGO Director. 28 Book Review OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 Book Review 29

Garnish harbour. Image: Niall Duffy “The O’Driscolls, along with a generation of fishermen that included Frank Downey, Joe Joe O’Sullivan and Mick Orpen, drove the industry to new heights, employing hundreds and spearheading the development of a new pier and harbour facilities in Castletownbere and Dinish Island.”

Big Mike Hanley on the Pier, Castletownbere (early 1970s)

People of the Sea: A Maritime History of Beara

By Niall Duffy Dónal Cam O’Sullivan Beare, peninsula during the Civil to the seine boat system of exiled to Spain after the defeat War; they took shelter in safe fishing for mackerel, a practice of the Battle of Kinsale in houses on the British side of that, buoyed by American arc O’Sullivan 1601; the French Huguenot the imaginary Red Line that demand, thrived in Beara from Vallig’s new entrepreneur Jacques Fontaine, partitioned the island, and the 1880s to around 1924, Mbook, People of the who ran a fish business outside escaped on coal boats serving when the market collapsed. Sea: A Maritime History of Castletownbere in the early the garrison to Leeds. Thereafter, Castletownbere Beara, is among one of the 1700s; and the five Sullivan The Second World War is was largely a port of call for first to describe the evolution Brothers of Waterloo, Iowa, recalled vividly by Jerome Spanish and French vessels of the West Cork fishing siblings of Beara descent who Harrington of Blackball, at 87 until the 1950s, when Biggs community over the course of perished when their vessel, the eldest interviewee, who of Bantry, faced with striking the 20th century, and up to the the Juneau, was torpedoed competed with neighbouring crews, sold their small fleet present day. by a Japanese submarine in children to collect foodstuffs of trawlers to a group of O’Driscoll brothers The book is in two parts, November 1942. and other material brought ambitious fishermen that the first a series of essays on Where the book really comes in on the tide: “In ’44, included the O’Driscoll fishing, trade and warfare alive is in the contemporary the last year of the war, I brothers of Sherkin Island. peninsula became an epicentre is almost deserted, while in Co Cork’s most westerly interviews. The first is with remember there were fifty- The O’Driscolls, along with of mackerel, salmon and lobster those larger vessels go further peninsula, the second a the Bere Island historian Ted three men taking wreck on a generation of fishermen fishing. Fortunes were made afield for their catch, but collection of interviews with O’Sullivan, who describes the Cahermore strand. Food, that included Frank Downey, – and often squandered – over Castletownbere is generally local fishermen, boat owners, island’s associations with the biscuits, chocolates. Tobacco. Joe Joe O’Sullivan and Mick the course of a decade, before acknowledged as one of the dealers and agents, along with British Navy, which continued Tablets of every description. Orpen, drove the industry a downturn in the viability busiest fishing ports in the representatives of the Coast post-Independence by virtue of All sealed up in containers.” to new heights, employing of inshore fishing variously country and it is clear that the Guard and RNLI. Berehaven’s status, along with What the beachcombers and hundreds and spearheading attributed to the exhaustion sea continues to provide the O’Sullivan Vallig, whose Cobh and Lough Swilly, as a their families did not consume the development of a new of stocks, the advent of larger Beara community with the family fished in Beara for Treaty Port. It was not until themselves, they sold on; a pier and harbour facilities in vessels breaking up the shoals of greater part of its livelihood. generations, is the former Arts 1938 that Britain relinquished bale of rubber could fetch as Castletownbere and Dinish fish, and/or the end of a natural People of the Sea: A Maritime Editor of The Irish Examiner, control of the ports to the much as £10, at a time when Island. ecological cycle that no longer History of Beara is available at and writes clearly and Irish government. As Ted a new bicycle might cost a Also covered in the book brought the fish so close to bookshops and Amazon.co.uk. accessibly, favoring anecdotal O’Sullivan tells it, the British pound. is the boom at Garnish in shore. Signed copies (€20 plus postage) history over dry academic unwittingly provided cover for Harrington, like several the 1970s, when a tiny pier Today, the pier at Garnish, are available from marcsull@ Jerome Blackball Harrington. Image: Niall Duffy research. His subjects include Irregulars vacating the Beara others in the book, refers back at the very tip of the Beara like so many along the coast, gmail.com. 30 Boat RELIANCE III OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 RELIANCE III Boat 31

Socially distanced launch ceremony. Image: James Hardisty, Yorshire Post. Wheelhouse logo with Parkol tribute The Clark family at the launch

2.5 metre prop in nozzle housing Thistle Marine 33 tonne winch with

Images supplied by the yard, skipper John Clark and Gareth Sparks Tolip protective mesh screen

NEW BOAT RELIANCE III Reliance Placed On Fishing’s Future!

skipper/owner, Banff fisherman Reliance III is powered housed in a high-efficiency fixed racing when at sea. the crew to clip on their safety tanks with 2 located forward by during rough weather. By Niall Duffy John Clark. by a Mitsubishi S6R2 T2- nozzle. 2 auxiliary Mitsubishi Designed as a versatile single harnesses when shooting or the fish room and 4 midships John also worked with his The Reliance III replaces MPTK-3 main engine (555kW gensets, a 6D16T & 6D24T / twin rigged trawler Reliance hauling back and provides an by the engine room so with machinery supplier Thistle his month saw the latest the 2009 Parkol built Reliance @ 1,350rpm) coupled to a supplied by Padmos power the III will target whitefish and extra level of security to the constant trimming as the fish Marine to design a new build by Parkol Marine, II which was preceded by Reintjes WAF 474 gearbox onboard systems including the prawns using a selection of crew when working topside. room fills during a trip, the protection mesh guard system TReliance III, launched the original Reliance built by with 7.476:1 reduction driving refrigerated 1,000 box capacity scraper trawls made and rigged Another feature to the build vessel will obtain optimal for the boat’s 33 tonnes - three and handed over to her new MacDuff in 1988. a 2,500mm diameter propeller fish room and Geneglace 11/2 by John and his son, relief was the placing of the 6 fuel stability and remove any lists barrel winch which when fitted tonne a day ice maker installed skipper David Clark and a set of by Premier Refrigeration. gear from Strachan Trawls. The wheelhouse electronics John Clark worked closely were supplied and installed by with Ian Paton of SC McAllister Woodsons and feature 3 X 55” & Co Ltd and Parkol engineers split screen monitors so John to bring to fruition some ideas will not miss a minute of his gained from experience on his beloved Formula 1 Grand Prix previous vessels to enhance stability and crew safety as part FACT FILE of the new build. The Reliance III has a round NAME: MFV RELIANCE III bilge hull, transom stern, soft Wishing The Skipper & Crew REGISTRATION: BF800 nose stem and bulbous bow with HOME PORT: BANFF a more flared forepeak than her many years of successful fishing COMPANY: RELIANCE FISHING predecessor for a smoother ride COMPANY in rough seas. She has a full on the “RELIANCE III”. We are SKIPPER: JOHN CLARK length shelter deck and John proud to have supplied the Split CREW: CAN ACCOMMODATE 8 requested that any unused free YARD: PARKOL MARINE space on the decks be moulded Net Drums, 3 Barrel Trawl Winch, ENGINEERING LTD over for comfort. DESIGNER: IAN PATON – S C Crew safety was a primary Jilson Winch, Fishing Crane, MCALLISTER & CO LTD Congratulations to John, David, family and crew with your concern with the design of a TYPE: TWIN RIGGER Landing Crane and Hydraulics. new Reliance III. We wish you safe and successful fishing. LENGTH: 16.49 METRES innovative new safety rail, REGISTERED, 20.40 M highlighted in bright yellow paint, that encircles the top of Tel: +44 (0) 1947 602669 Mob: +44 (0) 7889 068956 OVERALL 5 Baltic Place, Peterhead, Scotland, AB42 1TF the shelter deck and stern rails email: [email protected] web: www.parkol.co.uk BEAM: 7.7M E: [email protected], W: www.thistlegroup.co.uk, T: +44 (0)1779 477210 Eskside Wharf, Church Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4AE DRAUGHT: 4.85M with an additional safety rail aft of the net drums. This enables 32 Boat RELIANCE III OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 NEWS ROUND UP News 33

55 inch split screen monitors Reliance III touches water for the first time Landing sprat into Inver’s Port Pier NEWS in brief Aquaculture workshop moves online The BIM aquaculture workshop, run by aquaculture accelerator Hatch and funded under the EMFF, is taking place in October and will be held entirely online. Fifteen participants from 10 Irish-based companies have been selected and will have access to investors, fin-tech and other specialists throughout the workshop. Inshore piers like the one in Inver are vital to the continuation of the local (and often low impact) fishing The third such workshop to communities they serve. According to Ireland’s Inshore Strategy, however, one of the key issues take place since 2018, it is hoped facing the country’s inshore sector is poor infrastructure at smaller inshore ports and harbours, which companies participating, which has implications for the profitability, efficiency, safety and attractiveness of the sector. Sadly, Inver is cover areas as diverse as sea lice no different and needs investment, with local fishermen looking for a new slip and to have their pier treatment, aeration technology and upgraded. (Photo Credit: Gary Kennedy) blockchain analysis, will in time provide products and services to Ireland’s aquaculture sector leading to greater efficiencies and Further FLAG grant awards announced profitability. Two New Directors Announced n September 21, the a total of €2.7 million FLAG the end of July by then Minister at BIM Parkol Director, Andrew Oliver presenting a scale Minister for Agriculture funding has been awarded for the Marine Dara Calleary, the model of Reliance III to Skippers John and David Clark Food and the Marine, this year alone to 155 coastal National Inshore Fishermen’s Kevin Honan has been OCharlie McConalogue T.D., projects”. Association and Organisation appointed as new Director of Development and Innovation topside reduces the possibility industries were still shut down. announced the award of further The Minister added: “Many were quick to question the Services at BIM. Holding a B.Sc. of crew getting entangled during “They went above and grants worth €1.2 million to of the projects benefitting from direction in which funding (Mgmt.) from Trinity College fishing operations. The winches beyond to give us the quality SC McAllister & Co Ltd 56 local community groups EMFF FLAG funding are non- was being funnelled “at a time Dublin, and an Advanced Diploma and micro enterprises by the commercial projects benefitting of unprecedented crisis for in Marketing Techniques from also utilise a new hydraulically boat we dreamed of and myself, Technological University Dublin, actuated braking system linked my family and crew will always CONGRATULATIONS seven Fisheries Local Action the whole community in their the fishing industry for which Kevin has a wealth of experience to theWe trawl consolekeep in the yoube fishinggrateful for their dedication AND GOOD FISHING Groups established under coastal area. Such projects it is getting very little or no in developing businesses wheelhouse which is a first of and commitment.” Ireland’s European Maritime and can often secure up to 80% of meaningful support”. and introducing commercially its kind for Thistle Marine. The As a mark of his gratitude TO JOHN, DAVID, Fisheries Fund Programme. the project cost, making a real Is there anything more successful innovation with Boyne Announcing the grants difference to the viability of such meaningful for the catching Valley Foods and C&C Group. dog clutches and dogs can also to the yard workers John FAMILY & CREW ON Dominic Rihan has been be removed without stripping commissioned a signwriter to McConalogue said, “I am projects. This is just one of the sector in the detail of the appointed as new Director of the winch for ease of repair and incorporate the Parkol name YOUR NEW VESSEL delighted to announce today a ways in which my Department’s individual grants announced this Economic and Strategic Services. or renewal. into a logo on the sides of the further 56 coastal projects to EMFF Programme is making a morning? Barring a couple, a Working in BIM for 30 years in the Parkol Director and Project wheelhouse and had a tribute RELIANCE III benefit from EMFF funding real difference for our coastal quick glance the list of awards fields of fishing gear technology, through the seven Fisheries communities”. suggests otherwise… Details stakeholder engagement and Manager Sally Atkinson told plaque designed and cut on a provision of policy support and The Skipper, “During the build CNC machine to be displayed Local Action Groups established Whether or not the grants of the individual grant awards advice to Government and the of Reliance III Parkol faced one beside the helm console. • Naval Architects • Marine Consultants as part of my Department’s make a real difference to those can be found by at https://bit. seafood industry, Dominic also of its most challenging times The Skipper wishes John, EMFF Programme supporting fishing in those communities ly/2G1lLhu spent 5 years working in DG when the COVID-19 pandemic David and crew good fishing • Surveyors • Stability Consultants the development of our seafood is another question, however. Details of the FLAG scheme MARE. forced us to temporarily close and calm seas with their new T: (0044) 1904 466 158 E: [email protected] sector and coastal communities. Pointing to the breakdown of and how to apply can be found the yards. However, when we venture. These latest grant awards mean individual grants announced at at www.bim.ie/schemes/ Discrimination or forgotten could safely return to the yards entirely? Bruinisse (NL) we pulled out all the stops Stellendam (NL) Kilmore Quay (IRL) BEST WISHES TO JOHN, DAVID, Fishermen and women applying to ensure we would deliver Irish ‘real-time’ fisheries chart now available for the Future Growth Scheme Reliance III on time. It was a FAMILY AND CREW WITH YOUR were left scratching their heads pleasure working with John kippers and crew working on the 2,022 last month when they found there and his team, and we’re very NEW VESSEL RELIANCE III was no code applicable to them Offi cial Dealer registered fishing vessels in Ireland proud of the feedback we have Mitsubishi Diesel Engines can now access an interactive digital on the online application form for the scheme, currently one of the had fromAddress: him. Crossfarnogue, We wish Kilmore him, Quay, Co.his Wexford +353 870505917 • [email protected] www.padmos.nl Sfisheries chart which provides guidance on main COVID support schemes family and crew much success a vast number of conservation and fisheries available to SMEs (and for primary and safe fishing.” management regulations which shape their seafood producers we know there At the handover Parkol RELIANCE III day to day activities. aren’t many). Director, Andrew Oliver The chart, developed by BIM in Did this mean they were presented a scale model of partnership with the Marine Institute and ineligible to apply? Apparently Reliance III, made by Ron not. However, an administrative the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) error meant that Ireland’s catching Harker, to skippers John and and funded under the European Maritime sector had fallen off the list of David Clark. and Fisheries Fund provides guidance codes entirely. In response to Speaking to The Skipper after on European and national regulations a query from The Skipper a the launch, John Clark was full concerning closed areas, mesh size and spokesperson for the Department of praise for the Parkol team: restrictions on the use of certain fishing of Business, Enterprise and “The way the Parkol Innovation said code listings gears. to include fisheries had been workforce reacted to the The online version of the fisheries compiled and would become live pandemic lockdown was management chart can be accessed at on the application form in the unbelievable. From rotating www.fisheriesmanagementchart.ie. The Online Fisheries Management Chart with real-time next few days. The SBCI website, the staff working on the boat print format of the Fisheries Management information on quotas and regulations now in use by according to the Department and the sanitization of areas on Chart produced annually, will continue to industry. Pictured L-R: Niall Connolly, MFV Patrick C of the Marine, has since “been a regular basis they kept the be distributed and is available to download and Val Reilly using the fisheries management chart updated to more accurately reflect Crossfarnogue, Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford | +353 870505917 | [email protected] | www.padmos.nl online, October 2019 the eligibility of fishers for this long build on schedule when other from www.bim.ie. term investment finance.”

34 NewsBusiness Directory OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper The Skipper OCTOBER 2020 Business Directory 35

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New crew geared up amd ready to go. Scene from Portavogie harbour True Token, built in 1965 for David Hugh Adair and sons of circa 1920s. Image courtesy of Dick James SEND US Portavogie, at Nobles, Girvan. Image courtesy of Leslie Campbell YOUR OLD IMAGES

Frank Doherty’s MVF Oilean Croine

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

Marine & General Insurance Brokers. “Insuring Your World Today” NAME: George Anderson, Adenia skipper meets with Kristofer Reiten, Vikomar AS Norway after landing herring. Proud sponsors of The Skipper crossword ADDRESS: Send entries before 17th OCTOBER 2020 to: Crossword Competition, The Skipper, Tel:+353 (0)74 9177500 Fax:+353 (0)74 9177200 Annagry, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. TEL: (REQUIRED): Email: [email protected] Web: www.chd.ie (Photocopies not accepted). EMAIL: Cavanagh Hooper Dolan Insurances Ltd is regulated You can now take a picture of your by the Central Bank of Ireland completed crossword and email your entry along with relevant details to IMPORTANT PLEASE INDICATE JACKET SIZE: ACROSS [email protected]. SMALL MEDIUM LARGE XL 2XL 1. Hosted (TV show) *Failure to select jacket size will result in void entry 5. Cocktail, ... colada 7. Small pool 8. Storms SEPTEMBER SOLUTION 9. Is that so? 12. Boss 15. Torrent 19. Paris’ ... Tower PJ Ellis (9) sorting Cockles on the OUT 21. Speaking unclearly Jessica Lee, Dundalk Bay. (Photo & 22. Masterpiece, ... Lisa courtesy of Gavin Ellis) 23. Length unit ABOUT 24. Hogwash GOT A GREAT PHOTO? SEND IT TO THE SKIPPER DOWN The Conlon’s on their Aisling II email it to us at: [email protected] heading out from Spiddal. 1. Pickled buds (Image courtesy of Niall Conlon) 2. Cycle (bike) 3. Shabby 4. Reduce in rank 5. Irritated 4.9kg male lobster caught west of Duck 6. Allocate Island, Co Galway on September 6 by Sorcha 10. Intends Ridge (in picture) and Richard McDonagh. 11. Tibet’s Dalai ... SEPTEMBER WINNERS 12. Fuss, ... & cry 13. Italian sparkling wine 14. Bungle 1ST - Mullion Softshell Jacket 15. Placidly SHANE MC ALEER, 16. Searched every inch of Audacious fishing at the Smalls. BALBRIGGAN, DUBLIN (Credit: Patrick Smith) 17. Pattern 18. Gratify 2ND - Skipper Beanie 19. Encourage (3,2) MICHAEL SAUCY O’MAHONY 20. Charmer, ... fatale TRALEE, KERRY MULLION SOFTSHELL JACKET

Western Viking in Frederikshavn, as worn by Tony Brown, Mullion Technician Denmark. (Credit: Martin Doherty) 1st prize in The Skipper Crossword visit: www.mullion.com

‘The Alcorn Brothers’ (5 & 7), Horn Head, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. Getting in a bit of practice copying their Grandad who fishes for lobster and crab at Portnablagh. Ailbhe Marie SO 614 landing into Bunbeg ( Photo courtesy of Hazel Alcorn) harbour. (Credit: Seamus Greene) FREE BUY & SELL LISTINGS NOW ONLINE €25 - 12 Issues / 1yr €3 - single issue • Vessels • Equipment HARD • Wanted • Tonnage COPY • Gear • Miscellaneous 1 Yr / 12 Issues IRL-EUR €45-€55 Contact Sharon now on: Seán Óg O’Driscoll’s (Schull) recently purchased Tyler McCarthy (15) onboard the Aurora UK £45 Shauna Belle. (Credit: Pierce O’Driscoll) Borealis. (Image courtesy of Lena McCarthy) Tel +353 (0)74 95 48037 or Join today at www.theskipper.ie/subscribe/ Email: [email protected] 40 News OCTOBER 2020 The Skipper Fishermen Scientists During COVID

s COVID-19 impacts fishing and wish to help plug possible gaps where they are Skippers and crews collect data from a subset of hauls markets worldwide it also has emerging. We are very grateful for the help to Aimpacted the collection of fisheries date and hope to expand on this.” scientific data. Many nations across the world It is not only at sea where the fishing sector have reduced levels of scientific sampling is working to mitigate for COVID-19 related and some have halted sampling completely loss of data, processors ashore have also because of health and safety limitations. been working hard with the Marine Institute In Ireland, the industry and the fisheries to ensure that sampling of fish/shellfish can scientists are working together to reduce as be carried out safely ashore. Processors have much as possible the negative impacts of facilitated out of hours sampling for scientists COVID-19 on the scientific data collected. and other initiatives to reduce possible social Following COVID-19 restrictions the contacts during sample collection. While Marine Institute had to suspend the At-Sea the close co-operation of the industry is not Sampling Program, where scientists join new to scientific data collection in Ireland, fishing vessels to sample the catch during a the quick implementation of COVID-19 fishing trip (>24hrs). To mitigate for the loss mitigation measures and the adaptive response of data associated with the suspension of this highlights the importance of this relationship. programme the Marine Institute and the Irish “We all wish to manage our resources in a fishing industry have developed an At-Sea sustainable way and fishermen and scientist Self Sampling program, where the skippers collaborating like this is essential in order to and crews collect data and samples from a collect the appropriate data to achieve this”, subset of hauls. On landing Marine Institute says Ó Cuaig. The Marine Institute scientists staff collect, measure and input the data for are working with international colleagues later analysis. through ICES to track the inevitable data “This new At-Sea Self Sampling Program gaps that are emerging during this crisis. The is a great initiative by the Irish fleet as it full extent and implications of this reduction ensures that we have some at-sea data where in data collection on stock assessment and we would have zero due to COVID-19” advice will not be fully known until next year, says Macdara Ó Cuaig, Fisheries Liaison when the stock assessments will be carried Team Leader, Marine Institute, “it is great out using the 2020 data. While COVID-19 that the skippers and crew can continue to has been difficult for us all, the collaborative provide useful data in these strained times. response of Irish fishermen and scientists is a The skippers are very aware of the need for reflection of the ability of the industry to adapt appropriate data to help assess the stocks and in order to safeguard our future.

So long and thanks for all the fish… Ag Méadú Eolas Muirí Ag Soláthair Seirbhísí Mara

Building Ocean Knowledge Delivering Ocean Services

Lia ní Aodha and Niall Duffy marine.ie s some of you will already contributions and assistance in be aware, for the next couple putting the last 20 issues of The Aof months The Skipper’s Skipper together. No doubt, you’ll (at this stage) editor-for-life, Niall be in capable hands with Mr Duffy will be back at the helm, Duffy, who, on account of a poor while Lia heads off to catch up on year’s fishing, needs a good (albeit some reading… and whatever else temporary) home for the winter. maternity leave may entail. And so, until next year, so long Thanks to all for their support, and thanks for all the fish…

BE SAFE AT SEA - WEAR YOUR PFD

SAVE THE DATE ISSN 2009−3489 MARCH 2021 10 FRIDAY/SATURDAY 12th-13 th @ UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK YOUR INDUSTRY YOUR SHOW WWW.THESKIPPER.IE 9 772009 348025