Cornwall food and drink fishing study

Fishing Study Produced for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership

Fishing Study Produced for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership by Cornwall Food & Drink

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Cornwall Food & Drink Ltd, Chapel View Farm, Coombe Lane, Bissoe, Truro TR4 8RE T: 01872 865101 E: info@cornwallfoodanddrink.co.uk www.cornwallfoodanddrink.co.uk Registered in England and Wales. Registered No:7124725 VAT No:99552707

Contents BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................................... 1 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................ 3 PART ONE: AUDIT.................................................................................................................... 4 1.1.

Vessels............................................................................................................................ 4

1.2.

Fish Landings ............................................................................................................... 10

1.3.

Fish Sales ..................................................................................................................... 18

1.4.

Facilities ........................................................................................................................ 21

1.5.

Aquaculture .................................................................................................................. 35

1.6.

Workforce ..................................................................................................................... 36

PART TWO: OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT ........................................................... 40 2.1.

Modernisation and rationalisation of the fleet .......................................................... 41

2.2.

Landing Infrastructure and Facilities .......................................................................... 42

2.3.

Berthing Facilities ......................................................................................................... 42

2.4.

Vessel Repair and Refit Facilities ............................................................................... 43

2.5.

Facilities for Ice, Fuel and Supplies ............................................................................ 44

2.6.

Chilled Storage ............................................................................................................. 44

2.7.

Fish Markets ................................................................................................................. 45

2.8.

Fish Packaging Capability ........................................................................................... 45

2.9.

Fish Processing Capability .......................................................................................... 46

2.10.

Aquaculture .............................................................................................................. 46

PART THREE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................... 47 3.1

Newlyn/Fish Markets ................................................................................................... 47

3.2

Vessels.......................................................................................................................... 50

3.3

Engineering ................................................................................................................... 50

3.4

Aquaculture .................................................................................................................. 51

3.5

Small Infrastructure Projects ...................................................................................... 51

3.6

Attracting New Entrants ............................................................................................. 51

3.7

Marketing...................................................................................................................... 52

3.8

Industry cohesion and cross sector interdependence .............................................. 52

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................... 53 APPENDIX A............................................................................................................................ 54

BACKGROUND The fishing and seafood industry makes an important contribution to Cornwall’s economy.

According to the 2011 study of Cornwall’s Agri-food Industry, the annual value of fish and shellfish landed in Cornwall was nearly £28m and, although fishing contributed just under 0.5% to the county’s GVA, the sector’s productivity per full time employee (£51,000) was not only higher than the UK average for fishing (£49,000) but notably higher than the Cornwall average for all industries (£32,000) and significantly higher than the figure for Cornwall’s farming sector (£13,000). In 2014, the value of fish landed in Cornwall had risen to £36m and, in addition, although no precise quantification is possible, a significant amount of seafood processing takes place in the county, adding value to the Cornish catch before it leaves the county, or for onward sale to other parts of the local supply chain, particularly the restaurant trade. The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fisheries Local Action Group estimate that the combined value of fishing and fish processing is £50m; our findings suggest that this is in fact likely to be a conservative figure and that fish processing alone is worth between £50m and £100m.

Seafood also plays a part in Cornwall’s reputation for outstanding food and drink. In research undertaken by Cornwall Food & Drink in 2014, over 75% of participants identified positively with Cornish food and drink, and seafood is now the food product more people associate with Cornwall than any other. This reputation for seafood has evolved during the period since 2002, when a similar piece of work found that the county’s iconic pasties and clotted cream were predictably the most popular.

Like agriculture, the fishing industry also has a wider impact on the Cornish community, particularly in some of the coastal communities, where it can be responsible for most of the economic activity and employment that takes place, both directly and indirectly. Also like agriculture, the sector has a passive yet important role in tourism, from the small harbours with one or two working boats, to the larger ports with ranks of fishing vessels of all sizes, it is widely acknowledged that the fishing industry adds to the county’s tourist appeal.

Previous research and consultation has identified the need for investment in the Cornish fishing industry and various potential investments have been put forward. The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (CIOSLEP) is keen to gain a better understanding of the need and likely benefit of these investments. This study therefore presents an audit of the industry’s assets and commercial activity, followed by an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses and potential impacts of the suggested investments.

The research has been conducted by means of a detailed desk study of published statistics, complemented by one-to-one discussions with a number of key industry players. All those on Cornwall Food & Drink’s seafood industry database were also invited to take part in an electronic survey, which was also promoted via local press and social media.

Cornwall Food & Drink has been asked to submit a concise report. Clearly a certain amount of detailed commentary is essential but, as far as possible, a text-heavy approach has been avoided, and findings have been presented diagrammatically or in tabulated format.

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OVERVIEW The fishing industry in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is incredibly complex. A total of 32 ports were recognised by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) as ‘Landing Ports’ in 2014; this figure fluctuates year on year and there are another 14 sites where fish are known to be landed. They are located around the entire 697 km of coastline and vary in size from Newlyn, one of the largest fishing ports in the UK, to those used by fewer than a handful of dayboats.

The fishing methods in use are also diverse, as is the catch. As many as 40 species can be landed at Newlyn on any one day – anecdotally, many in the fishing community believe this variety to be greater than any other UK port. This seems to be confirmed by MMO statistics, which record a higher number of species landed at Newlyn from January to October 2014 (the most recent recorded period) than any other UK port 1. N.B. these landed species are not ‘all’ species; for example crabs are counted as one species but may include brown crab, spider crab, velvet swimming crab etc. Similarly, a variety of different selling methods are used, from the traditional early morning market to instant sales from the boat direct to restaurants via social media.

The regulatory framework around fishing adds yet another layer of complexity, with licensing requirements for vessels as well as buyers and sellers of the catch, in addition to the well published tribulations of quota to consider. Furthermore, the regulations vary according to fishing method, species, and location.

Finally, the industry is highly competitive and we have included both buyers and sellers and other industry stakeholders from all over the area in our study, whose needs and viewpoints may naturally be expected to differ and even conflict.

Within this complex and competitive scenario, we have aimed to produce a comprehensive and meaningful audit of the industry’s assets and draw constructive conclusions. Everyone who has been approached has been eager to take part in this study and has contributed freely to the findings, greatly aiding clarity.

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From analysis of MMO reports

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PART ONE: AUDIT 1.1.

Vessels2

Figure 1 shows how significant the port of Newlyn is within the national picture, recording the largest number of boats (608) of any of the Administrative Ports in the UK, by a very long way.

However, it must be recognised that Newlyn is the Administrative Port of nearly all of the Cornish fleet (29 of Cornwall’s 32 ports) - these figures do not relate to the Home Port or Landing Port of a vessel. By comparison, the combined fleet of Plymouth and Brixham is larger than that recorded for Newlyn. However, the Administrative Port of Plymouth does include the 35 vessels registered to Looe in Cornwall.

Figure 1: Number of Vessels in 2013 per Administrative Port (UK)3

2

All data in this section is taken from MMO statistics.

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Figure 2, on the other hand, shows what a large percentage of the Cornish fleet is made up of small vessels. With the exception of the port of Newlyn, most other Cornish ports have a fleet of mainly under 10m vessels, reflecting the very different style of fishing that predominates in Cornwall compared with that seen in North Eastern England and the East coast of Scotland.

N.B. where this report refers to Cornwall’s 32 ports, this includes the Isles of Scilly.

Figure 2: Gross tonnage of Vessels in 2013 per Administrative Port (UK)4

3 4

Taken from MMO Annual Statistics Report 2013 Taken from MMO Annual Statistics Report 2013

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Figure 3 illustrates how the number of vessels in the UK fleet declined steadily from around 8,700 in 1996 to just fewer than 6,500 in 2013. However, this decline slowed from 2008 and has virtually halted over the 3 years up to 2013.

Looking at England in more detail, in the South West, vessel numbers at Newlyn have declined slowly over the last 3 reported years, while Plymouth and Brixham show small increases (See Figure 4).

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In terms of gross tonnage for the English fleet (Figure 5), figures have followed the trend for vessel numbers at all ports except Grimsby and North Shields, were a decline in one port has been reflected in an increase in the other.

Although Newlyn has the highest recorded number of smaller vessels, within England it also has the third highest number of vessels over 10m (see Figures 6 and 7).

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Figure 8 shows that well over half of the fleet registered to Newlyn is between 25 and 45 years old. The small number of pre 1970 vessels still in operation suggests many of those built during the 1970s are likely to be approaching the end of their working life. This is confirmed by our interviews. Regulations intended to reduce the overall capacity of the EU fleet do not permit a new vessel to be licensed unless an existing vessel is decommissioned, while at the same time removing 10% of the decommissioned vessel’s capacity from the fleet. Quota must also be acquired by any new vessel. This has slowed the number of new vessels being introduced and has led to owners accumulating over time the quota and capacity attached to a number of smaller vessels as they are decommissioned in order to introduce a larger vessel to the fleet.

In addition to these disincentives, the recession will have had an impact on the amount of investment in vessels since 2008.

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Figure 9 indicates that, although the overall number of new vessels had been declining, Plymouth has been investing in a larger number of over 10m vessels than Newlyn consistently since 1990. During the current decade, a sharp reduction in the number of new under 10m vessels being added to the Newlyn fleet has meant that the overall number of new vessels being registered at the two ports is about the same for the first time. N.B. these figures again relate to Administrative Port and not home port.

Data relating to the fishing methods of individual vessels is not publically available and a request to the MMO for this information was declined on grounds of commercial confidentiality. Therefore statistics relating to fishing methods are based on port rather than vessel (see page 14).

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1.2.

Fish Landings

The following charts show that the South West of England and the North East of Scotland are responsible for the vast majority of the landings in the UK, and the concentrations of the overall value of the catches. However, in terms of the value per tonne of the catch, the South West achieves the highest returns.

Figure 10: Landings into Top 20 UK Ports in 2013 (‘000 tonnes) 5

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Taken from MMO Annual Statistics Report 2013

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Figure 11: 2013 Landing Volumes by ICES Rectangle67

Figure 12: 2013 Landing Values by ICES Rectangle

Figure 13: 2013 Landing Values per Tonne by ICES Rectangle

6 7

International Council for Exploration of the Sea Charts on this page are taken from MMO Annual Statistics Report 2013

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Broadly, both the volume and value of the Cornish catch has been steadily increasing over recent years, although the rate of growth has tailed off since 2012. While in some years prices may increase at a higher rate than volume, and other years value might flatline while volumes increase, the overall increase in both volume and value over the six years from 2009 to 2014 was very similar, at around 40%.

In 2014, £22.4m worth of fish was landed at Newlyn – almost ten times as much as Padstow, the second ranked port in terms of landed value. The difference is so great that Newlyn cannot be shown on the same chart as the other ports (Figure 16). The amount of activity at the remaining ports also differs significantly from one to another. For example, some ports recorded catches of less than £1,000 in 2014, while others that still look relatively insignificant on the chart are landing catches worth between £0.25m and £0.5m.

However, there are some significant differences in the trends in the value of fish landed at individual ports over recent years. Taking comparisons of the 2009 and 2014 landings, at some ports, the value has remained relatively static, while at others there has been steady

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decline, e.g. Porthleven, where the value of the catch has fallen by around 75%. At Newlyn the value of the catch has risen by 30% while some of the smaller ports have recorded much stronger increases; for example, at Cadgwith the value of the catch has doubled. At Hayle it has increased by over 75%, at Padstow the figure is 65% and on Scilly it is 75%. Notably, at all these ports, the increase has been steady and sustained, indicating strategic growth rather than random fluctuation. Comparing these figures to the audit of port assets suggests that growth in many cases has been linked to investment.

Figure 17 shows the change in landed values at selected ports during the period between 2009 and 2014.

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Some ports showed an apparently massive increase in values, due to either unusually low returns in 2009 or unusually high returns in 2014, or both. In other cases the figures fluctuate much more wildly from year to year. Table 1 provides examples (rounded to nearest £100) of the inconsistencies that can occur:

Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Table 1: A selection of ports displaying irregular patterns of trade activity Coverack Charlestown Portscatho Sennen £63,200 £9,400 £2,300 £29,200 £150,100 £27,000 £7,400 £72,300 £216,300 £53,700 £25,800 £100,200 £237,000 £64,500 £19,500 £91,800 £150,000 £60,400 £11,700 £67,300 £212,500 £120,500 £16,300 £108,700

Anomalies such as these may relate to the fact that the statutory requirement to note landing weights and the subsequent requirement on sellers (at auction) or buyers (for nonauction sales) extends only to boats of over 10m. Fishermen selling direct to local catering establishments or to the public will almost certainly be seeing better prices than they would through the markets but those sales are not recorded anywhere. Indeed, in St Mawes, for example, the single fishing boat landing there has opened a harbourside fishmonger’s trailer in the last couple of years. Previously all of the catch from this boat was sold direct to a buyer from one of the local processors, now an amount of the annual catch is sold direct to the public and, as far as we understand, these sales are not recorded in the official figures.

One-off events, such as the effect of the 2013/14 storms on specific ports, will also have had an impact on the figures and may account for some of the decline in the catch recorded at Porthleven, for example, where the damage was extensive.

Newlyn remains quite firmly the main beam trawler landing port in Cornwall, its size and harbour facilities being suited to the larger vessels. Less than a combined 100 tonnes of beam trawled fish was landed at the remaining 31 Cornish ports in 2014, compared with over 4,000 tonnes at Newlyn. Padstow is the only one of the remaining 31 ports where more than just one or two beam trawlers land their catch.

The five ports of Looe, Mevagissey, Newquay, Padstow, and the River Fal/Falmouth land the largest volumes after Newlyn. After beam trawling, gill netting, mechanised dredges (for scallops) and potting account for the greatest volumes of fish landed. A wide range of methods is used throughout the county, although some volumes are too small to be displayed on charts 18 and 19 below. Gill netting and potting, in particular, are methods suitable for the under 10m fleet, and the popularity of these methods reflects the large numbers of under 10m vessels in the Cornish fleet.

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Of all the species landed at Cornish ports, six have each generated over £1million consistently over each of the past six years (see Figure 20), confirming the findings that the Cornish catch consists generally of higher value species compared to other regions.

Monkfish is the top value species bringing in an average of £5m per year over that period, while crab values steadily increased from £3m to just under £5m in the same time span. Both these species are suited to the fishing methods employed by the smaller vessels.

The high value per tonne of the Cornish catch is likely to be one of the reasons why the productivity of fishing per FTE in Cornwall is higher than the national average, although if volume and value are growing in tandem there is no real growth in the value of the catch to

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fishermen, and this was reflected ins some of the interviews, where fishermen claim prices have not risen in line with prices to consumers. However, it could also be argued that if volumes have increased without a comparative increase in employment, the catching is being done more cost-effectively and this is where the gains are being made.

Changes in the nature of the catch have been greater than the figures relating to overall volume and value suggest. For example, although crab was, and still is, the highest volume catch, sardines showed strong growth between 2010 and 2012 and even overtook crab in terms of volume during that time. This growth in the volume of Cornish sardine fishing was referred to in the 2011 Review of Cornwall’s Agri-food Industry and was associated with the increase in the number of ring-netters and the classification of the Cornish sardine as a protected food name by the EU. It is noticeable that MMO data suggests that this growth has not been sustained. The decline in the European market due to the recession is likely to have reduced demand and the figures indicate that replacement markets have not been found.

However, some stakeholders have questioned the apparent decline in sardine landings and 16

there is a suggestion that the MMO figures may not be correct. We have been unable to verify whether this is the case.

The haddock, megrim and scallop catches have also risen and then fallen over the same period. In the cases of haddock and scallops, the volumes had fallen to around or below 2009 levels during 2014. As discussed in Section 1.3 the Spanish market for megrim (and for hake) has certainly been adversely affected by the recession. Pollack has been a solid performer, having enjoyed a revival as an acceptable sustainable alternative to cod.

These fluctuations show what a delicate balance has to be struck between catching what the weather and ocean conditions allow and what the market demands. However, within a very competitive scenario, where price and volumes for such a short-shelf-life product are always shifting, Cornwall has managed to create within its overall fishery a wide variety of specialisms, determined by very local factors such as the nature of the catch, the fishing conditions, and the first point of sale. The north coast fishing, for example, where distance from a physical market for wet fish is an issue, is predominantly shellfish, much of which is exported via a local wholesaler. Some of the south coast ports are targeting high value species such as lemon sole, squid and (more recently) cuttle, with the restaurant trade in mind; while the driver for others is the demand from local processors, who take the catch straight from the boat. It is estimated, for example, that around 80% of scallops landed are sold direct to one processor.

Fishing quotas continue to challenge the industry and there is widespread concern about forthcoming changes to EU rules on discards. Cornwall has built an element of sustainability into its fishing by developing significant, high value sales in non-quota species such as shellfish. The promotion of non-quota species such as gurnard and the ready acceptance by an increasing number of chefs to use these species also helps to relieve the pressure on quotas. However, the large volume catches are mainly of quota species.

A measure of concern was also noted about the sustainability of shellfishing, in particular the ability of local waters to sustain the increasing volume of crab being caught. Bearing in mind the importance of crab to the Cornish seafood industry and the strong association people make between Cornwall and crab, this cannot be ignored.

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1.3.

Fish Sales

Much discussion and comment during our interviews related to the prices obtained at the local fish markets and whether one particular market generated better prices than another.

The average prices for species landed in 2014 were compared for Looe, Newlyn and Plymouth in an attempt to analyse these claims.

Figure 22 shows that, particularly for high value species such as bass, lobsters, monkfish, sole and turbot, consistently higher prices do appear to be achieved at Looe and Plymouth when compared with Newlyn.

However, this is a vastly over-simplified picture, which does not take the following factors into consideration:  





These figures relate to ports rather than markets. Not all fish is sold through the markets.

The ‘first sale’ value is attributed to the landing port even if the first sale takes place elsewhere. From conversations with vessel owners, skippers and merchants, a large catch will sometimes be split between markets to prevent downward pressure on prices by swamping the market at the port of landing. The excess catch is sent by road to another market. Figures for Newlyn, for example, will therefore include fish that is landed at Newlyn but sold at Plymouth market.

The figures do not take any account of volume or the rule of supply and demand. The sheer volume of fish being landed at Newlyn compared with, say, Looe, will affect prices.

The figures also disguise price variations between catching methods. For example, handline mackerel and bass will fetch a higher price than those species attract when caught by trawling.

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An additional factor to consider is that, across the UK, the average price of landings varies greatly according to vessel length (see Figure 23). As a rule, longer vessels land much greater quantities of fish than their smaller counterparts and will therefore typically achieve a much lower average price for the fish landed due to the supply : demand ratio. For example, the average price of demersal fish landed by vessels over 24m is £1.41 per kg, while for the 8m and under fleet this is more than double, at £3.47 per kg. Similar differences apply for shellfish, with an average price of £2.65 per kg for landings by the 8m and under fleet, compared with £1.79 per kg for the over 24m fleet. The difference in prices is also partly due to differences in species targeted, fishing methods used and choice of markets.

Figure 23: Average UK prices by length of vessel, 2013 (UK) 8

The exception is the pelagic species, where the larger vessels obtain good prices compared with the smaller ones (the medium size vessels generate the lowest prices), but the price differential between the different vessel sizes is not as distinct as that shown for demersal species. The majority of the Cornish catch is demersal species; however, the greatest volumes are caught by the larger vessels and will not therefore benefit from the higher prices.

It is therefore very difficult to draw straightforward comparisons and conclusions about the prices achieved at the different fish markets in Cornwall (Newlyn and Looe) and Plymouth, where some of the Cornish catch is also sold. A smaller market such as Looe is almost certain to achieve better prices for smaller volumes of high value fish, but for high volume sales, one merchant who monitors the markets closely believes there to be no significant difference overall between prices at Newlyn and Plymouth.

Whatever the like for like comparison, it is fair to say that there is an element of doubt among some fishermen about the prices they receive for fish at Newlyn market and – rightly or wrongly - a perception that Newlyn prices are not as transparent as they should be. As a result, some are selling direct to customers to avoid the market, while at a port like Mevagissey, where fish to the value of nearly £2m is landed, fishermen use Plymouth rather than Newlyn to avoid the lower prices that are said to be received for ‘overland’ fish.

Prices alone are, of course, not a measure of profitability. From discussions it is apparent that the recession of the last few years and the consequent shrinkage in the Spanish market has

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Taken from MMO Annual Statistics Report 2013

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had considerable impact on the profitability of some of the high volume species landed in Cornwall, such as megrim and hake. Prices are subject to more volatility than previously experienced and have fallen as low as 50p per kg for megrim at times.

Some fishermen continue to use the Seafood Cornwall tags that identify fish caught by handline in order to attract the premium attached to these fish. Other than the use of the tags, there is no collective marketing or identification mechanism for Cornish fish.

There is a perennial discussion about what really is a correct definition of Cornish fish. In general it is accepted that it refers to fish landed in Cornwall even though the larger volume catches will generally have been caught far away from Cornish waters. Some of those who fish close to shore ensure they make their customers aware of this distinction in their own marketing materials and methods, but there is little evidence that consumers in general (and many chefs) understand these complexities. Furthermore, a number of Cornish merchants supply imported farmed fish, for example farmed bass from Turkey, to local restaurants.

Similarly, salmon and other species will be bought in from Scotland. There is no suggestion that this in itself is bad practice – it meets a market need – but it is likely that some of this fish is appearing on menus as Cornish fish or at least that customers are being allowed to think this is the case.

A good deal of concern was expressed about media coverage of the sustainability issues surrounding fishing, in particular some of the TV chef features that reinforce the message that certain species should be avoided. While the amount of interest these programmes generate in cooking and eating fish is welcome, this blanket messaging is considered to do little to truly improve people’s understanding of fishing. Cod, for example, is off the menu for many these days, regardless of the method and area of fishing.

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1.4.

Facilities

An audit of the facilities at the 32 commercial ports reporting fish landings to the MMO in 2014 has been compiled and is presented in the following tables. Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority has data to suggest that another dozen or so ports also land fish, or at least host fishing boats, at some point during the year. Many of these are either very small ports or erratic with regard to landings; however we have included a number of those that we feel are of significance here: Bude, Gorran Haven, Mousehole and St Agnes. In addition, the information relating to the port of Falmouth is divided into the A&P Shipyard area and the areas controlled by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

Table 2: Boscastle Landing infrastructure and facilities Two slipways, no other facilities Berthing facilities Chain moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities None Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies None Fish market Some fish sold locally through farm shop, balance to Camel Fish in Rock Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional comments The fishing in Boscastle is ‘dying’ through lack of infrastructure. The harbour has no running water or electricity and there is a danger that the three working boats (one full time, two part time) will not be sustainable without some investment.

Table 3: Bude Tidal outer harbour with slipway, inner harbour/wharf with sea lock forms terminus of Bude Canal. No davits/cranes.

Berthing facilities Good within the inner harbour/wharf Vessel repair and refit facilities Minimal – area of wharfside hard-standing but mobile crane has to be brought from Padstow to remove boats from water and return at approx. £400/day Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice or fuel (but boats tending to swap to petrol outboards for ease of maintenance).

Local supplies available.

Fish market Some local direct sales but most shellfish goes to Camel Fish at Rock for export.

Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional comments A local fisherman has looked at applying for funding in the past but was put off by the amount of bureaucracy around a small bid – he believes that Bude would benefit greatly from a crane and also some vivier tanks which would allow them to store shellfish on land and help mitigate the supply peaks and troughs caused by the weather (in common with other North Cornish ports Bude is notorious for losing fishing days to poor weather).

Landing infrastructure and facilities

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Table 4: Cadgwith Beach landing using winch/tractors. Winch was designed for beach keel 20ft boats now being used for regular 25ft boats with more kit so could do with uprating.

Berthing facilities Beach Vessel repair and refit facilities None other than very basic maintenance Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Two ice machines and a fuel tank in place, supplies limited in Cadgwith Fish market Most selling direct Fish packaging capability There is a cold store but no packaging or processing capability Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 5: Cawsand Landing infrastructure and facilities Sand/gravel beach Berthing facilities Swinging moorings off shore Vessel repair and refit facilities None Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies None Fish market Probably Plymouth Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional Comments Mainly a location for holiday and leisure boat owners, as opposed to any commercial fishing activity

Table 6: Charlestown Good. Open slipway Plenty of space and some sheds.

Berthing facilities Plenty of room, only three boats berth in the outer harbour, tall-ships can be a nuisance to fishermen and vice-versa Vessel repair and refit facilities None Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies None Fish market Fish mainly landed at Mevagissey Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 7: Coverack Quayside and slipway. Modern 500kg davit Storage on quay for nets & pots Berthing facilities Hardstanding at top of slip. Swinging moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities Mostly done on site as harbour dries.

Major jobs use Gweek Boatyard Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Ice and cold room facilities via FLAG project.

Fish market Varies, direct sales and markets.

W Harvey and Cornish Crab mentioned Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

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Table 8: Flushing 40m of quayside, usable above half-tide Storage area with cold room and space for nets and boxes Berthing facilities Alongside, or on swinging moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities None Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice Fish market None Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 9: Gorran Haven Small harbour wall and beach Moorings inside harbour wall, boats pulled out of the water to dry storage area out of season.

Vessel repair and refit facilities None other than routine maintenance Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies None Fish market Small local sales; Ocean Fish; Plymouth market Fish packaging capability No Fish processing capability No Landing infrastructure and facilities Berthing facilities

Table 10: Hayle Good - new davit recently installed OK - bid in for funding for new pontoon (75% agreed but need 100% funding if possible) Vessel repair and refit facilities Minimal Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies New fuel bunker with card system Ice plant was installed 6-7 years ago through FLAG Fish market Some direct, some co-operative marketing, some to Newlyn.

Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional comments New sluice gates are being fitted but need to be automated (ÂŁ30-40k), an investment wish list would include an environmentally sustainable extension to the leading wall on the west side of the estuary. This has also been priced at around ÂŁ30k, with gabion baskets made from re-cycled tractor tyres, and would, in conjunction with the new sluice, help align and deepen the channel (a permanently shifting problem currently).

Live crab and lobster kept in tanks on pontoons. These are getting old and could do with replacing.

Pressure washers for cleaning down storeroom would be handy.

Landing infrastructure and facilities Berthing facilities

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Table 11: Helford River Landing infrastructure and facilities Small slipway/beach Berthing facilities Swinging moorings down river Vessel repair and refit facilities On site for small jobs Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice No fuel Fish market Unknown; farmed oysters sold direct to wholesale market.

Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None

Table 12: Looe Good - but tidal which is an ongoing issue see additional comments.

New cold store has been added recently, new dry store is part of the Sardine Factory plan Berthing facilities Good Vessel repair and refit facilities Everyday repair and light engineering are handled locally (Harbour Commissioners and Black Dog Marine), larger repairs go to Plymouth or to Toms of Polruan Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies 2 ice plants part funded by Objective One, now 15 years old and in need of renewal and the addition of a screw feed to boats.

Fuel - tank was put in by Harbour Commissioners with grant funding, now owned by a fishermen's company and works very well Supplies – available locally Fish market Looe for the smaller boats, Plymouth for the larger boats. An independent study carried out by the harbour commissioners last year showed that prices were on a par between the two (although Looe fishermen selling at Looe thought Plymouth prices were higher).

Very little if anything goes to Newlyn (distance and price perception) Fish packaging capability Some Fish processing capability Some - new processing/packing facility has been added on Buller Quay Additional Comments Looe has organised itself well, every year the community undertakes a new fish project.

Future projects include Sardine Factory renovation which is already planned and (hopefully) grant assisted, new ice machines and a box washer would be welcome. A live issue in Looe is that as fishermen become more successful and upgrade to bigger boats there comes a point when the boat is of a scale that they need to 'migrate' home port to Plymouth (this is a factor of the tidal nature of Looe). Several feasibility studies have been undertaken into the potential for an outer harbour combined with flood Landing infrastructure and facilities

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defence system - there is a current study 'on the table' - whether the outer harbour part is realistic (and whether it would help with all tide landings) is a much debated point.

Table 13: Mevagissey Three new cranes in last 5 years, extended jetty has added an hour to each end of the tide + new crane on outer harbour enables 24/7 landing if necessary Storage facilities OK Berthing facilities Good but waiting lists for commercial (fishing) moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities Small jobs done locally - John Moor and son Peter using a grant funded cradle on slipway with boat maintenance grid on harbour.

Larger jobs go to Toms in Polruan.

Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies 2 ice machines which should produce 7 tonnes/day but one broken. New machines included in potential funding bid already prepared.

Commercial diesel bunker operated by Keltic Oil Local shops, small chandlery but most now ordered online Fish market 90% to Plymouth, balance to FalFish/Ocean Fish and shellfish to Harveys in Newlyn Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None but bait processing unit part of funding bid Additional comments Access difficult but Mevagissey is a harbour that is 'booming'. There is a waiting list for moorings, there are plenty of 'youngsters' looking to join the industry - this is put down to the appeal of day-boat fishing over working on larger offshore vessels, a community in which there are multiple stakeholders (small boats, small businesses, many families engaged in fishing). Owners are continuously investing in their boats, prices at Plymouth market are good (perceived as much better than at Newlyn) some Newlyn boats are asking to land at Mevagissey to access Plymouth market. A grant funding bid has been prepared for a new harbour building to include new night time ice making machines (they would pay for themselves in 4 years with electricity price savings), new bait processing and a more efficient arrangement of space.

Landing infrastructure and facilities

25

Table 14: Millbrook ÂŁ50,000 landing pontoon installed in 2014, financed by FLAG and EFF. Storage facilities onshore Berthing facilities Pontoon berths, quayside berths & swinging moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities Engineering works on-site. Lift-out facilities.

Forklift & crane facilities Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Ice unknown Diesel available Supplies locally and Plymouth Fish market Probably Plymouth Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 15: Mousehole Harbour quays and beach. Modern electric davit installed with grant funding Cold store which was destroyed in 2013/14 gales, but rebuilt Berthing facilities Moorings in harbour Vessel repair and refit facilities On site for small jobs. Newlyn for bigger jobs Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice No fuel – brought in by jerrycan Newlyn for supplies Fish market Newlyn. Either landed direct or sent by van.

Some local sales to restaurants Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional Comments Ice machine would be very useful.

Have considered fuel bunker, but put off by regulations Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 16: Mullion Landing infrastructure and facilities Harbour quays and slipway. No davits Berthing facilities At top of slipway Vessel repair and refit facilities On site for small jobs Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice No fuel Fish market Unknown, but mainly shellfish landed Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional Comments Owned by National Trust

Landing infrastructure and facilities

Berthing facilities

Table 17: Mylor 75m of quayside Slipways Pontoons Storage of nets and boxes on open quay Alongside or on swinging moorings

26

Vessel repair and refit facilities Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies

Fish market Fish packaging capability Fish processing capability

Mylor Boatyard No ice Fuel at Mylor marina Chandlers in Mylor Boatyard Unknown None Oysters gathered and stored for onwards transportation

Table 18: Newlyn Landing infrastructure and facilities 900m of quay with up to 8.5m draught at Mean High Water Spring Berthing facilities Quayside berths plus pontoons. New card system for electricity.

Vessel repair and refit facilities Single slip capable of taking vessels to 27.4m length and 4.0m draught Some marine engineering and craft services available locally but large jobs go to Holland.

Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Up to 90 tonnes of ice per day available via private ice company.

Some fuel points on North Pier. Most fuel delivered by tanker to the quays Provisions and chandlers available locally Fish market 1500sqm of floor area and 2 chill rooms.

Ability to land directly into the market from the quays.

Fish sorting, grading and weighing line.

Traditional shout auction.

Building in need of refurbishment.

Fish packaging capability Available locally, including some contract packing for direct sellers.

Fish processing capability Available locally, including some contract processing for direct sellers.

Table 19: Newquay 2 quays. 2 x 500kg davits. 3 x 250kg davits Pot and net storage on quay Berthing facilities Moorings in harbour – dries completely at Low Water Vessels ashore on quay and car park for winter Vessel repair and refit facilities On-site for most jobs. Padstow used for major work Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Ice machine and deep freeze on site Fuel brought in by tanker. No storage on site Fish market All shellfish sent abroad. Fish to Newlyn or Plymouth Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

27

Table 20: Padstow Good for the number of boats using Padstow, 5 davits Storage is the one issue - very little and no cold store - ideal would be to purchase some land on the outskirts of Padstow for hardstanding/cold store for bait/more vivier tanks rather than keep pots.

Berthing facilities Good, but tidal outer harbour, inner (wet) harbour can take up to 25m beam trawler, the harbour often provides shelter for Newquay and Port Isaac boats Vessel repair and refit facilities Good, engineering and fabrication both available locally Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies New ice machine recently installed Fuel - fuel, gas and lubricants all available Supplies available Fish market Newlyn, Plymouth and Looe but more fishermen looking to sell direct.

Fish packaging capability No Fish processing capability Most landings are shellfish sold live Additional Comments Would like to see more tourism/fish collaboration across the county - it works very well in Padstow where car park tariffs support fishing investment etc. Potential funded projects would include pontoons in the outer harbour to enable movement of kit etc. at low tide. Blue sky project would be a 'sill' from outside harbour office to south dock to enable movement of boats at low tide.

Favours one central, independent fish market for Cornwall. Concerns that fishermen are getting the same price they were 20 or 30 years ago for crab and lobster while retail prices have risen markedly.

Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 21: Penberth Stone slipway with recovery winch Store rooms at top of beach Berthing facilities Hardstanding above beach Vessel repair and refit facilities On site for small jobs. John Skuse at Porthallow for major work Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Fridge/freezer with ice machine Communal diesel tank Fish market Newlyn Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional comments Owned by National Trust Landing infrastructure and facilities

Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 22: Penryn 40m of quayside usable 2 hours either side of HW Pontoons Storage for nets and boxes 28

Berthing facilities Vessel repair and refit facilities Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies

Fish market Fish packaging capability Fish processing capability

Pontoons and swinging moorings Bring in specialist trades from outside No ice No fuel Chandlers in Falmouth Land to Fal Fish first. Some fish to local buyers None None

Table 23: Penzance Quayside. No davits seen Harbour access controlled by lock gates Berthing facilities Alongside quay Vessel repair and refit facilities Engineering and marine services alongside quay Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice Fuel in marina Fish market Newlyn Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional Comments No evidence of fishing boxes, pots, nets etc was seen on site, suggesting that the harbour is used for repair/layup rather than landing fish. Close proximity to Newlyn will account for this.

Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 24: Polperro Three cranes, one on Eastern harbour, two on Western. Two forklifts.

Berthing facilities Winter – on chains in middle of inner harbour Summer – two boat lay alongside outer pier, six on moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities Minimal Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Good ice machine, fuel from 50,000l tank at top of village gravity fed to 20,000l holding tank on Eastern harbour.

Fish market Polperro has a redundant fish market which has cold storage, ice machine and two forklifts. Currently fish goes to Looe and Plymouth markets.

Fish packaging capability No Fish processing capability No Additional comments Polperro is tidal – fish cannot be landed 3 hours either side of low tide. The Harbour Commissioners have investigated working on the outer platform to make it suitable for landing fish (it’s currently used for embarking sightseeing passengers). There is a feeling that being able to land all day would encourage another couple of trawlers and two or three more smaller boats to work from Polperro - which in turn might make the market viable again.

Landing infrastructure and facilities

29

Table 25: Port Isaac Harbour with slipway, no davit/crane but forklift purchased by Harbour Commissioners for use of fishermen Berthing facilities Boats onto slipway Vessel repair and refit facilities Minimal maintenance only Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Small ice machine, private diesel tanks and storage area at back of converted fish cellars Fish market Shellfish and wetfish shops in converted fish cellars, local hotels/restaurants including some renowned for fish. Most shellfish goes to Camel Fish, either delivered by van or a small Camel Fish lorry collects.

Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Other comments The industry in Port Isaac is pretty healthy, most vessels doing well on shellfish. A number of younger fishermen have taken over boats in the last couple of years.

Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 26: Porthleven Davits/winch/1.5t landing derrick - PESCA project Fridge on site to hold fish Berthing facilities 150ft of deep mooring under davits Vessel repair and refit facilities 90% do their own maintenance. Engineers & metalworkers in the village. Hydraulic engineers in Helston. Spencer Carter (winches/haulers) in Falmouth Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Ice machine on quay. Operated by Porthleven Fishermen’s Association.

No fuel on site - too much trouble with bunds/booms etc. Most keep fuel on local farms and have it brought down when needed.

Fish market Newlyn Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability Small amount done by local fishmonger Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 27: Porthoustock Gravel beach. Multiple winches in small huts.

Launching tractor Berthing facilities At top of beach. Some swinging moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities On site for small jobs Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice No fuel Fish market Unknown Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

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Table 28: Portloe Slipway, winch and storage shed. Ungraded winch and shed funded by FLAG Berthing facilities Tidal harbour, boats pulled onto slipway Vessel repair and refit facilities No Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No Fish market Most fish sold through two shellfish processors, one in mid Cornwall, one in North Cornwall Fish packaging capability No Fish processing capability No Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 29: Portreath The harbour is railed all the way round, so boats use block & tackle on rail stations to unload boxes.

Wooden shed on site for equipment storage and block built bait store Berthing facilities Against quay walls Vessel repair and refit facilities Most do repairs themselves. Harbour is fully tidal, so can get underneath boats each tide.

Boats craned out onto trailers if major repairs needed Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice No fuel Macsalvors for most chandlery items Fish market 2 boats fish rod & line for Fal Fish 3 potters sell to John Earl or private buyers Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional Comments Harbour is owned by Cornwall Council.

Leased to Harbour Association 36 moorings.

Only accessible for 3½-5 hours either side of High Water.

Boats come out in October and go back in March. Rarely used at other locations over winter.

Would benefit from a cold store and ice machine to hold catches and ice for boats.

Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 30: Portscatho Fish are landed onto slipway or beach, no davits or other landing gear.

Berthing facilities Boats all pulled onto slipway Vessel repair and refit facilities None Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice or fuel, minimal supplies available in village. Very small fisherman’s store for equipment at top of slipway.

Fish market Fish sold through local hospitality and fisherman’s own ‘farm shop’.

Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

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Table 31: River Fal – A&P Shipyard Landing infrastructure and facilities Deepwater quay within A&P dock basin Davit on quayside Shellfish storage Blast chillers Berthing facilities None – unload and go Vessel repair and refit facilities Some in A&P yard. Mainly in-house repairs Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Ice brought in from Fal Fish factory in Redruth No fuel Falcon supplies in dockyard Fish market Fal Fish Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability Crabs processed on-site. Fish sent to factory at Redruth

Table 32: River Fal – Falmouth Harbour Commissioners Landing infrastructure and facilities Quays at Custom House Quay and North Quay, but not used by fishermen for landing catches.

Berthing facilities Berths in inner harbour. Some swinging moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities Falmouth Boat Construction. Mylor Boatyard Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice Fuel on fuel pontoon and fuel barge Fish market None Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional Comments Commercial fishing is not really their market.

There are other landing places nearby

Table 33: River Fowey Landing infrastructure and facilities Fishermen use a redundant clay jetty (Jetty Number 3). There is a davit on the end of the jetty. A potter working out of Fowey also uses the ferry slipway at Caffa Mill (Fowey side of Bodinnick Ferry).

Berthing facilities Chain moorings on river Vessel repair and refit facilities C Toms and Sons of Polruan – serious boatbuilding and repair business can take boats up to 300t and 30m length on two slipways.

Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Ice at shellfish processors, fuel and chandlery at C Toms, Polruan Fish market Shellfish (mussel) boats have their own direct markets, Ocean fish also purchase a great deal of shellfish from Fowey Fish packaging capability Only for mussels Fish processing capability Only for mussels – decontamination tanks etc.

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Table 34: Isles of Scilly Good - no tide issue, hoist to 500kg - a bigger crane would be useful Catch (mostly crab/lobster) kept in keep pots - vivier tanks on the harbour would be better Berthing facilities OK Vessel repair and refit facilities Good for the current <10m fleet - boat storage, slipway and repair yard at Porthloo Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Ice - owned by the fishermen's association Fuel available Supplies available Fish market Local sales but bulk of catch to Newlyn on Scillonian/Gry Maritha Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Additional comments Expense of getting catch to mainland is a problem Overall the picture on Scilly is reasonably positive, the community understands that the fishing fleet is an integral part of the islands tourist appeal. Two new boats are joining the fleet in 2015, both crewed by local men. An open retail fish stall on the harbour in the summer sold out daily - a co-operatively run permanent retail outlet would give a great boost to the industry on Scilly as would a general raising of awareness of the industry on Scilly - perhaps a Scilly fish 'brand'.

Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 35: Sennen Slipway with tractor for launch/recovery Cold store on site Berthing facilities None Vessel repair and refit facilities Maintenance shed on site Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Ice machine on site and ice bins Diesel on site at cost price. Petrol supply own Fish market Newlyn, with some direct to wholesalers in Newlyn & St Ives Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability Processing facility currently under construction Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 36: St Agnes Slipway with tractor for launch/recovery Small net store Berthing facilities Small hardstanding at top of slip Vessel repair and refit facilities None Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No ice No fuel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; small petrol outboard fleet Fish market Unknown Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

33

Table 37: St Ives Land at Smeaton's Pier. 2 cranes 500kg and 250kg Berthing facilities None - unload and go off to moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities Loan generator for on-boat repairs. Boats go to Newlyn or Penzance for major work Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies Ice machine on site Diesel store on site Newlyn or Macsalvors for supplies Fish market Newlyn. Land at St Ives and sent over by road Fish packaging capability Some done by Matthew Stevens and Celtic Fish & Game Fish processing capability Some done by Matthew Stevens and Celtic Fish & Game Additional comments Access difficult in summer Smeaton's Pier is Grade 2 Listed, so causes problems for upgrades etc.

Need somewhere secure to store gear.

Landing infrastructure and facilities

Table 38: St Mawes Harbour wall with 500kg davit, slipway opposite.

Berthing facilities Limited number of moorings Vessel repair and refit facilities Some at Pascoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boatyard a short way up the river at St Just in Roseland Facilities to provide ice, fuel and supplies No Fish market Fisherman owned retail unit on St Mawes Harbour, most fish landed sold under contract to FalFish Fish packaging capability None Fish processing capability None Landing infrastructure and facilities

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1.5.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture in Cornwall is limited to shellfish – farmed mussels, oysters and, more recently, clams – but has been dogged throughout history by the hazards of water quality. The Helford River, for example, which had been known for generations by the London market as a source of fine oysters was decimated by the Bonamia parasite in the 1980s. Then, after reinvestment and its successful rebirth around 2007, the same fishery was hit by a serious algal bloom attack in 2009, a factor that is reflected in figures showing reduced output from the Helford River fishery. The oyster farm in question now spreads its risk by focussing on sales of a wider variety of wet fish.

Prior to 2014, investment in mussel farming in the Fal River had enabled it to reach a purification capacity of 1 tonne a week. However, this was seriously affected when the 2013/14 winter’s storms caused high levels of pollution, closing the fishery during the height of the season and placing severe strain on the businesses involved. It is yet to be seen whether the businesses affected will fully recover.

Porthilly Farm, producing oysters, mussels and clams on the Camel Estuary on the north coast, has been luckier and is now selling approximately 800,000 Pacific oysters and 100 tonnes of mussels for wholesale and retail per annum. Floating oyster cages, part funded by an EU grant, have increased production, and investment in purification equipment has enabled the farm to sell direct to restaurants and other retailers.

Shellfish farming also takes place on the Fowey River. It should be noted that shellfish farming is often carried out alongside wild harvesting, and that the wild and farmed shellfish industries appear to work well side by side.

Padstow is home to the National Lobster Hatchery, a charity that works with the industry to secure and enhance stocks of this valuable species, not only by collecting berried hens and releasing their offspring into the wild at the optimum moment for survival but also by undertaking academic research into the species and the global lobster fishery.

A PhD student at Exeter University’s European Centre for the Environment and Human Health based in Truro is currently investigating people’s attitudes to shellfish in an effort to identify ways of overcoming negative perceptions and food safety fears. The research is based on the rationale that shellfish can be a valuable and sustainable source of protein and is a potential substitute for other less sustainable protein foods, suggesting that shellfish farming could help satisfy that need. This is also interesting in terms of the potential depletion of natural stocks of shellfish in Cornish waters, mentioned previously.

A recent government-backed move to investigate the potential for finned fish farming off the Cornish coast is currently on hold following the identification of a number of potential drawbacks, notably that it was found that Cornwall’s waters are not sufficiently sheltered for this type of farming and that the storms of the 2013/14 winter would have decimated any such farms had they existed.

Water quality is the number one priority (and worry) to those operating in the aquaculture sector, especially as it is a factor beyond their own control. The opportunity for aquaculture in Cornwall therefore needs to be considered with care, but the county’s geography undoubtedly lends itself to further exploration of the possibilities within what is almost certain to become a growing market.

35

1.6.

Workforce

Data on Cornish fishermen is grouped by Administrative Port rather than the vesselâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home port. As stated, Newlyn covers 29 of the 32 ports in Cornwall, with the remaining three being accounted for within the Plymouth area.

There are over 800 fishermen in Cornwall, the highest number of all the administrative areas in England, which reflects its position as the area with the highest number of vessels in the UK. Figure 24: Fishermen numbers by Administrative Port â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2013 (UK)9

9

Taken from MMO Annual Statistics Report 2013

36

Over the period 2003-2013, the overall number of fishermen employed in the UK fell by about 8%, from around 13,000 to 12,000. The decline, shown in Figure 25, has been generally slow but steady.

Figure 25: Numbers of UK Fishermen 2003-2013

A fall in numbers was recorded for the Administrative Port of Newlyn between 2012 and 2013, the only period for which detailed figures are available. The fall in the number of part-time fishermen was larger than the fall in full-time fishermen. On the whole, the fall in numbers in Newlyn, although not large, is higher than many other areas of England over the same period. However, Plymouth, (where Looe fishermen are registered) recorded a significant drop in full time numbers from almost 900 in 2012 to around 650 in 2013, and a drop of over half its part-time fishermen. By comparison, the number of full-time fishermen at Brixham increased by around 150 over the same period. As these two changes are far more significant than any of the other changes in England, it suggests that there has been some switching between registrations at the two ports.

37

Income figures for Cornwall’s fishing sector are difficult to quantify as records relating to fishing are collated with farming and forestry by the government and records relating to fish processing are collated with all food processing and manufacturing.

However, the National Careers Service guidance10 states that a skipper can earn anything between £10,000 and £65,000 a year and other findings indicate that a skipper can earn up to £100,000 in a good year. Earnings relate to the size of vessel, nature of the work and, of course, the nature and size of the catch. Junior deckhands will earn around £10,000 a year.

Our own findings via the survey and discussions confirm that pay rates in the industry in Cornwall vary from minimum wage (or less for the self-employed in a poor year) to over £70,000 for a skipper.

The National Careers Service states that the median income in fishing is £18,641, compared to a national average of £27,017 for all industries. It is interesting that median income is around two-thirds of the national average despite the very good GVA figures for the industry, suggesting that, in this case, the median figure, which records only the middle measure of salary, is not a good measure of the overall average amount earned.

The fishing industry is well known as a predominantly male sphere, with only a handful of women from the UK ever having made a career for themselves at sea. However, it was suggested to us that there is scope for the women from fishing families to become more involved in businesses, particularly in a marketing role, much as women have been the driving force in the transformation of the marketing of farm produce and the understanding of farming.

The careers service also states that nearly 40% of those working in the fishing industry are self– employed and that 45% of jobs are full time and 17% part time. In Cornwall, the part time figure is slightly above this, at over 18%, indicating that the style of fishing is more seasonal than average, or perhaps that Cornwall’s tourist industry makes the county’s fishing slightly more seasonal in nature than elsewhere. However, the difference is not large and it could equally be argued that a career in fishing is less seasonal in nature than jobs in the Cornish hospitality, leisure and retail sector, which can suffer enormous seasonal swings in trade.

The day boat sector, particularly on the North Coast, is more prone to seasonality and many in that sector find alternative employment on a temporary basis during the winter or through spells of prolonged poor weather. There is also anecdotal evidence that some fishermen keep another income stream throughout the year but fish because it is, for want of a better expression, ‘in their blood’. This certainly seems to be the case with some of the very small ports where the fishermen are desperate for a fishing presence to be retained for reasons connected to heritage and culture. Some of these same fishermen were among the interviewees that mentioned ‘local needs housing’ as paramount for the future of the industry. In a location such as Portloe it would be virtually impossible for a new entrant to the industry to live in the same village as his boat is moored, yet the couple of boats working from Portloe add immensely to the visitor appeal of a village which is now dominated by second homes and self catering accommodation.

10

www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

38

Nationally, the Careers Service estimates that a comparatively high proportion - 42% - of all vacancies in the fishing sector are related to skills shortages 11 (compared with 23% within all job vacancies). Critically, it is also reported that up to another 8,000 jobs will be needed in the fishing sector nationally in the next 5-6 years. There is therefore a massive need for skilled labour to meet that requirement.

Interestingly, only 5% of survey respondents in Cornwall reported that they found recruitment of labour ‘very challenging’, while the majority indicated that they find it moderately easy to moderately challenging.

Figure 27: Experience of recruitment Very easy

16%

6%

5%

Fairly easy

21%

Moderate Fairly challenging Very challenging

26% 26%

Not applicable - I do not deal with recruitment within my organisation

Our survey also found that skills shortages appeared to be less of an issue in Cornwall than nationally, and that a lack of appeal for the job itself, i.e. unappealing work, wages or working hours, is just as much of an issue. Anecdotal evidence suggests that even this lack of appeal is variable, depending to an extent on the specific nature of the work. Several interviewees mentioned that long periods at sea on larger vessels had a decreasing appeal, especially to new entrants, compared with day boat work. Difficulties were reported, for example, in recruiting younger crew to work on the beam trawler fleet, whereas Mevagissey is seeing a surge in day boat activity and has a waiting list for moorings for new entrants. On the bigger vessels the appeal (or otherwise) of the working environment is also a function of the ageing fleet – it was reported that the ‘more modern’ French trawlers are more pleasant to work on and attract crew more easily.

Even the success of an individual fisherman can cause an unintentional issue – Looe has seen a number of successful young fishermen upgrade their boats; unfortunately at a certain size their craft become too large for the tidal harbour at Looe and they are forced to relocate, usually to Plymouth. Looe has lost at least three young fishermen in this way in the last few years.

11

www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

39

PART TWO: OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT As stated in our proposal, the considerations and findings relating to the possible areas for investment are presented in the form of an individual SWOT analysis for each. In addition, analysis of the survey responses provides an indication of the level of importance those within the industry place on each of the suggested investments. Figure 28 provides a useful summary.

Figure 28: Areas for Investment - Ranking Marketing & trade development Chilled storage Investment in vessels

Not at all important

Repair and re-fit facilities Future employment and skills

Fairly unimportant

Fish processing capability

Neither important nor unimportant Fairly important

Fish markets Landing infrastructure/facilities Fish packaging capability

Extremely important

Berthing facilities Ice, fuel & supplies facilities Aquaculture 0%

20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

We added extra questions concerning the importance of marketing and trade development into the survey, in relation to another project we are working on, and discovered that this is the area that received the highest overall ranking of importance, with all respondents regarding it as either ‘fairly important’ or ‘extremely important’.

It is notable that all of the potential investments that received rankings of ‘not at all important’ relate to infrastructure and the actual mechanics of fishing and fish processing.

This confirms a number of discussions where participants questioned the need for major capital investments. The only infrastructure investment that did not receive any ‘not at all important’ rankings is chilled storage facilities. This is interesting as our interviews found that chilled storage, in both the smaller ports and coves and the large ports, is used not only to help retain the quality of the catch but also to hold some of the catch back and release it more slowly onto the market, reducing the risk of stress-selling at low prices. This is good for fishermen but perhaps not so good for buyers and may also lead to the reduction in quality that some customers reported seeing. A chef from a highly respected London fish restaurant, for example, stated that whilst he has identified Cornwall as the best place in the UK for fish quality, he uses only the catch from selected day boats, sent direct by courier every day, claiming that fish he has seen on the markets is too old for him to use.

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2.1.

Modernisation and rationalisation of the fleet

Strengths 91% of survey respondents regarded this as fairly or extremely important.

Modernisation is essential to sustainability of the industry.

Efficiency improvements would raise productivity per FTE even more.

Safer fleet.

Improve competitiveness against other regions.

Sufficient investment now will have longlasting impact, i.e. boats do not need replacing frequently.

Opportunities Ageing fleet presents current opportunity to make changes in overall balance. Doing nothing at this time would be missed opportunity.

Modernised fleet will attract more new entrants.

Weaknesses Impossible to undertake without a strategy on quota (other work is directing that subject).

Requires a collective or even whole industry approach, as rationalisation only possible if enough vessels are prepared or incentivised to retire and sell quota to new vessels.

Large vessels represent the high volumes needed to make the industry and its infrastructure commercially sustainable, but are also the low margin, high risk, high competition end of the market.

Cornwall is already achieving good returns from fishing; investment in new vessels alone is unlikely to generate sufficient additional return to justify cost.

Several ÂŁ1m+ vessels have recently been added to the fleet, suggesting the investment capacity exists where the commercial returns are evident.

Threats All sizes of vessel are essential to the character and USP of Cornish fishing; small and medium size vessels catch the high value species.

Generally small vessels use the most sustainable methods.

Doing nothing will eventually lead to Cornwall losing its high volume catch that supports the industry infrastructure.

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2.2.

Landing Infrastructure and Facilities

Strengths 73% regard this as either extremely or fairly important, but this subject received the highest proportion - 57% - of ‘extremely important’ rankings.

Benefits of this type of investment have been proven elsewhere.

Small investments in, for example, new davits can have quite significant impacts.

Most ports have a ‘wish list’, widespread small investment would be seen as ‘fair’ Doing nothing = moving backwards.

Opportunities A number of ports have already proved the impact this type of investment can have.

Could attract more vessels to Cornish ports, particularly Newlyn, where a boost is needed.

Could attract non-fishing vessels, i.e. leisure craft, to generate more mooring and maintenance revenue.

Improvements present opportunity for ports to charge for improved services and increase revenue. Evidence suggests industry is prepared to pay where the charge is logical (e.g. recent improvements to electrical supply at Newlyn).

2.3.

Weaknesses A small number of people feel this is not at all important for investment.

Very difficult to identify who pays for ongoing investment and/or maintenance in longer term.

Lots of different ports using different models of ownership and management. Difficult to implement in anything other than port by port fashion.

Threats This type of investment needs to be maintained – other ports have made initial investment but not kept their facilities ahead of the game.

No clear indicator that Cornwall needs more fishing vessels using its ports.

Berthing Facilities

Strengths 73% regarded this as fairly or extremely important.

Supply of facilities at some ports is outstripping demand.

Opportunities Could attract more vessels to Cornish ports, particularly Newlyn, where a boost is needed.

Could attract non-fishing vessels, i.e. leisure craft, to generate more revenue.

Weaknesses Audit results do not mirror survey results and suggest this is of less importance. However, the fishing industry would not necessarily be expected to identify a need/demand/opportunity from the leisure industry.

Threats No clear indicator that Cornwall needs more fishing vessels using its ports.

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2.4.

Vessel Repair and Refit Facilities

Strengths 90% regarded this as fairly or extremely important.

Some of the larger Cornish vessels are currently being maintained in Holland or elsewhere, others head to Plymouth or Bristol = lost revenue to Cornwall.

Potentially a case for public sector pumppriming, i.e. current market failure, private sector unwilling to invest alone, generates wider benefits, e.g. jobs, skills, training opportunities.

Opportunities Creating state-of-the-art facilities could be linked to specialist engineering apprenticeships and training to create skilled employment opportunities in otherwise low skill areas (consider Falmouth where â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;virtuous circleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; model has evolved through reputation for traditional and high end boat-building skills).

Alongside creation of other engineering expertise hubs within Cornwall (e.g.

Aerohub), could help to generate global reputation as engineering hotspot.

Potential USP for Newlyn to regenerate the portâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation.

Weaknesses Potential displacement of some existing activity in Cornwall.

Likely to need business from elsewhere in UK or overseas to make it commercially viable, therefore needs to be state-of-the-art.

Creating one state-of-the-art facility at, say, Newlyn could disadvantage vessels distant to Newlyn.

Needs detailed market research to assess exactly which facilities and services are needed and their viability. (Why does Cornwall not have those services at present if there is commercial viability?).

No commercial entity identified to take this on.

Small vessels appear to be well provided for locally and owners have good relationships with the network of services that exists around the county.

Threats Insufficient business to make high end facilities profitable.

Needs marketing and high aspiration to make necessary impact.

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2.5.

Facilities for Ice, Fuel and Supplies

Strengths 73% regarded this as fairly or extremely important.

Potentially attractive to non-fishing vessels as additional income-driver.

Impact of this type of investment is proven.

Opportunities Potentially the improvement or addition of ice and fuel facilities are low cost/large gain activities.

Good type of activity for small grant scheme that individual ports can access as the need arises.

2.6.

Weaknesses Only 16% regarded this as extremely important, most said ‘fairly important’, suggesting it would be welcome but not essential.

Investment in a fuel bunker at Newlyn received mixed response. Some indication that current moveable facilities are preferred.

Many harbours appear to have invested in some form of ice facilities already.

Threats Supplies are often ordered online – even ports of significant size such as Mevagissey, do not support a serious chandlery.

Some ports beginning to see funding for these types of investment as a given, creating an expectation that support will always be available. Potentially reduces the need to build financial sustainability into these investments and anecdotally we are told the care towards equipment paid for by grants is sometimes lacking.

Chilled Storage

Strengths 92% regarded this as fairly or extremely important, 40% stating ‘extremely important’.

Would improve reputation of markets – currently criticised by some for poor quality fish – provided it is used to retain quality and not to keep fish for longer than ideal.

Current capacity at Newlyn is under pressure in busy season (but adequate at other times).

Opportunities Good type of activity for small grant scheme that individual ports can access as the need arises.

Weaknesses Not clear how large scale investment will pay for itself.

Many ports have already invested in this.

Threats Being used as a means of keeping fish in store until prices rise. Undermines quality of the catch.

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2.7.

Fish Markets

Strengths 75% regarded this as either fairly or extremely important.

Reputation and infrastructure of Newlyn market is in decline. Doing nothing is not an option if industry is to retain its reputation and achieve its potential.

Opportunities This round of EU funding is likely to be last chance for investment in a large scale project for Cornish fishing.

Chance to show Cornwall as market leader.

Chance to iron out incongruities and difficulties in existing system, e.g. increase number of auctioneers, reduce price differential for ‘overland fish’, improve transparency.

New market could form the focal point for a range of associated activities (the ‘Centre of Excellence’ approach).

If no investment in Newlyn market, some form of investment is needed elsewhere.

Are these the only two options?

2.8.

Weaknesses 21% regarded this as either fairly unimportant or neither important nor unimportant.

Must have major backing - agreement has been difficult in the past and opinion about best site for a new market for Cornwall is divided.

Newlyn has ‘been here before’.

Business case for new market in new location is risky.

Threats Combining Newlyn and Plymouth markets at a new centralised location could potentially depress prices due to high concentrated volumes.

Potential lack of match funding if project is too big.

Moving Cornwall’s major market away from coast/port location potentially endangers marketing potential.

Compromise could make insufficient impact.

Volumes sold at markets are dropping, while volumes sold direct to processors are increasing. It needs to be established the sufficient long term business exists to justify significant investment in a market.

Fish Packaging Capability

Strengths 73% regarded this as fairly or extremely important.

Adds value at first or second point of sale.

Improves quality and shelf life of the catch.

Opportunities Innovation in packaging can attract new markets and improve returns.

Weaknesses Difficult to make a collective packaging facility broad enough to meet all needs.

Needs to be part of a broader development strategy – packaging capability alone will not generate sufficient returns to justify major investment.

Threats Commercial viability in longer term.

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2.9.

Fish Processing Capability

Strengths 83% regarded this as fairly or extremely important.

Adds value at first or second point of sale.

Improves quality and shelf life of the catch.

Opportunities Innovation in processing can attract new markets and improve returns.

New product development facility would foster and de-risk innovation.

2.10.

Weaknesses Cornwall has major fish processors already.

Track record of collective processing facilities elsewhere in UK is not good.

Threats Commercial viability in longer term.

Aquaculture

Strengths 69% regarded this as either fairly or extremely important (although respondents included a disproportionately high number of people involved in aquaculture).

Strong market growth potential.

Existing aquaculture in Cornwall has been shown to be high risk and requires investment in water quality to prevent further disasters.

Opportunities Huge opportunities for those with new approach.

Regarded as a major sustainable protein source of the future. Cornwall needs to be part of it.

Entrepreneurial fishermen are already investigating ground-breaking opportunities

Weaknesses Shellfish aquaculture has proven track record in the market place but weak track record for risk in Cornwall.

The case for finfish aquaculture is weak.

Environmental issues need to be considered.

Threats Fish farming has poor reputation; could endanger Cornwallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name.

River water quality is outside the control of the industry

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PART THREE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The complexities and vagaries in the way data on fishing is gathered and recorded have made it extremely difficult to draw conclusions that can be applied reliably to the entire Cornish seafood industry. At times even the MMO has shared and acknowledged our frustration.

The sheer breadth of the Cornish seafood industry is another factor that makes specific recommendations and conclusions difficult. Investments that would deliver major enhancements for one part of the industry may, for example, have a detrimental effect on another.

However, it is clear that, whilst the Cornish fishing and seafood industry has a phenomenal reputation, generates significant returns for the local economy and has undergone impressive evolution and growth, its ageing fleet, ageing workforce and ageing infrastructure are now in danger of limiting its potential.

We have considered where the findings point to potential investments that will:       

Enhance the competitiveness and value of the sector.

Make the sector more resilient and fit for the future.

Take advantage of opportunities.

Overcome current drawbacks and barriers to growth.

Heighten Cornwall’s reputation for fishing and seafood.

Create broader and long term impacts on the local economy, e.g. greater job opportunities, a more highly skilled workforce.

Justify public funding intervention.

We have also identified areas where the status quo appears to be unsustainable and inertia jeopardises the industry’s potential.

This process has identified the following areas as priorities for investment:

3.1

Newlyn/Fish Markets

It is generally agreed that Newlyn market is in need of investment but the appropriate scale and scope of that investment is subject to mixed opinion. In the past, plans have been put forward that the major user of the market has regarded as too ambitious and too costly and, without their agreement, the chances of any project achieving the necessary private sector match funding are limited. Projects therefore need to be realistic and the return on investment needs to be very clear for all involved. Consensus is also vital.

Whilst projects need to be realistic, it is worth remembering that the forthcoming round of EU Convergence funding for Cornwall and the IOS is likely to be the last chance for Newlyn market (and consequently the Cornish fishing industry) to receive this type of financial boost.

Any plans therefore need to be sufficiently ambitious to maximise this opportunity in a ‘now or never’ way, without being unsustainable.

The market is of course part and parcel of the harbourside and it would be logical to undertake an upgrade of other facilities alongside any refurbishment of the market. The

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harbourside is used by processors who buy direct from boats, by other boats that land at Newlyn and sell direct to buyers, and for landing fish that is transported to other markets. The market is therefore by no means the only function of Newlyn harbour.

At present the market and harbour area has a drab, functional and somewhat unloved feel about it, and on the whole the industry does not talk of Newlyn market with affection. This belies Newlyn’s historical and economic significance and does not lend itself to activity such as providing moorings or other facilities for leisure craft, which could bring other benefits to the town and its businesses. There is scope for some uplift without undermining the commercial and industrial functions of the harbour and without the cost becoming prohibitive.

Another factor that has contributed to ambivalence about Newlyn market is the reduction in the number of auctioneers to one, effectively creating a monopoly. More choice is likely to increase use of the market and this is apparently already under review. However, further discussions have highlighted that other markets operate successfully with one auctioneer, but that their use of an electronic auction overcomes that difficulty. It is therefore the continued use of the traditional shout auction alongside the sole auctioneer situation at Newlyn that appears to be the cause of some of the unease.

The advantages of a clock auction are that buyers do not have to be physically present at market and this enables a much wider range of buyers to bid; buyers can also monitor several markets at the same time. It is claimed by one merchant who has monitored both systems closely, both in the UK and overseas, that clock auctions do not necessarily improve or depress prices or increase the overall number of buyers; however it is claimed that they do tend to iron out major swings.

It is interesting to note that Plymouth Fisheries has recently issued a media announcement about the success of the market and its considerable growth over the past decade, The article also states that up to 60% of the market’s business arrives by road and claims that the popularity of the market is due to its auction system, which “is unique in ensuring fishermen can guarantee they’ll receive a fair price for their catch”.

We were also asked to consider the suggestion that a brand new market facility should be constructed away from Newlyn itself, possibly around the centre of the county and close to the A30. The rationale for this type of investment is that a new facility could provide the latest technologies, including a clock auction, as well as greater convenience from being located alongside the transport network and accessible from all Cornish ports. It has also been suggested that it could potentially be possible to combine the Plymouth and Newlyn auctions into one new facility.

Although this rationale has logic, views are mixed. Those landing on the north coast where there is no market at present are, understandably, more in favour of the concept than those on the south coast or in the west. The north coast fishermen report that they are unfairly disadvantaged at present and receive a lower price for their catch because it is classified as ‘overland fish’.

Overall, the following concerns about a central market were noted: 

Increase in transport of fish – a two tier transport system would be required for users – one to get the fish to market and another to get the fish to its buyer – which would

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

 

disadvantage those who currently land and sell at port. Conversely, fish from other ports that currently travels to Newlyn could in some cases undergo a shorter journey to market. Fish that currently travels overland to Plymouth from Newlyn would also undergo a shorter journey if it was sold at a central Cornwall market.

There is concern that increased volumes at a single market would lead to reduced prices and less competition. Since fish is currently being split between Plymouth and Newlyn markets (and in some cases even Brixham and Brittany) in order to gain better prices, this argument does have some weight. However, new facilities that ensured higher quality may also improve prices. As this study shows, vessels and their owners are already choosing where they land and sell their fish according to the price they can obtain, rather than sticking to their home port. A new centralised market would therefore need to obtain compelling prices for it to attract business in just the same way that any market does. Ultimately, market forces will always prevail.

There is no guarantee that volumes from Plymouth would all move to a central Cornwall market if the markets combined. Some could shift to Brixham/Looe.

Moving Cornwall’s major fish market away from the coast is counter-intuitive to some people and risks losing the association between the market and the sea, and by implication, freshness. From findings reported elsewhere in this report it is clear that buyers on the whole think beyond any romantic notions, but this does need to be taken into consideration for marketing.

Taking all these considerations and the other findings from this study together, one of the noticeable changes in the fishing industry in Cornwall over the past fifteen years is the emergence of a greater choice of sales channels for fishermen. Alongside the traditional market, fishermen sell their catch direct to processors or to overseas contract customers.

Some have created their own direct sales methods using digital technology. Markets like Looe have invested and created their own points of difference that are logical for a smaller port where a large amount of premium value fish is landed from smaller boats. This diversity matches the diversity of the industry itself and ensures that different products are able to differentiate themselves to the market place and high value products gain the appropriate premiums.

Any improvements to Newlyn market or the creation of a centralised market need to take account of this and identify and maximise their own USPs compared to other methods of sale and other markets. It is no longer safe to assume that viable volumes will always be there.

Overall, investment in Newlyn market is a less risky option than creating a new concept of a centralised market. The sums involved are likely to be in excess of £5m and risk is therefore a big factor to take into account. However, investment in Newlyn market would need to ensure that changes overcome the current negativity towards the market as well as introducing physical improvements. Finally, as mentioned, doing nothing at Newlyn is not a realistic option and if consensus and action proves impossible, the alternative becomes increasingly feasible and attractive.

A final observation is that, having spent a lot of time considering these investment options, we have not considered whether there might be other options worth exploring. For example, a third possibility – the creation of a central distribution point at Saltash – has been raised via our survey. Additionally, several people quoted Billingsgate and, although not specifically a fish market, Rungis market in Paris, as examples of wholesale markets that also function as retail markets to the consumer. Cornwall does not have the populations that Paris or London

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can draw on to sustain a large commercial consumer-facing function of this nature but introducing smaller scale elements of investment into Newlyn to help promote the industry’s key messages to consumers could help overcome an identified lack of consumer access to fresh fish and improve consumer knowledge about fish, which many of the survey responses identified as a priority. This could also help to spread the potential commercial risk of the market function by introducing other revenue streams.

That said, this should not be interpreted as a recommendation to create a typical ‘visitor centre’ type attraction, which are notoriously difficult to sustain commercially once the initial investment has been spent. Cornwall has a reputation for being quirky and different and this would need to be a feature that has a strong personality to match that reputation.

Neither should this report be interpreted as a feasibility study but it does seem, given the importance of Newlyn in volume and value and the need for investment in the facilities there other than the market that, depending on cost and available funding, Newlyn is the most sensible place for major investment. There is an immediate action which could be taken to ‘market test’ part of the solution. We understand that the facilities for an electronic clock auction exist at Newlyn already but are not being used. If the electronic clock was commissioned for use and some serious publicity given to that, it would be a partial step to re-launching the market with a new regime of transparency. Fish sale prices could be monitored to compare both volume and value with the current shout auction before leaping into a full scale redevelopment of the market.

3.2 Vessels The ageing fleet is another potential time bomb for Cornish fishing and the complexities around investment suggest that it would benefit from a strategic approach and further analysis. Of particular note is the influence that a modernised fleet can have on attracting new entrants to the industry, in itself a critical need. However, this is closely linked to quota and the findings of the work on quota are required before this can be taken further. If that work suggests there is scope in a central quota-buying resource, it could go a considerable way to aiding investment in vessels if administered effectively.

3.3 Engineering Creating a Centre of Excellence for marine engineering at Newlyn would be another way of reinvigorating the port’s pride and reputation whilst providing quality jobs that could be linked to formal apprenticeships and training programmes. Specifically, the need is for engineering, servicing and re-fits for larger vessels. The smaller vessels appear to be well provided for already in all parts of Cornwall. This would therefore need to be undertaken in conjunction with the strategy for modernisation and rationalisation of the fleet, to ensure that there would be sufficient demand in the longer term for this type of service. The port of Falmouth and the Falmouth Marine School are likely to provide a useful model and also help identify where the market gaps and skills gaps lie, ensuring for example that there is a genuine need that is not capable of being delivered by existing bodies. C Toms and Son of Polruan are a useful example of creative ideas in this sphere. Although they are diversified into ferry services, fuel and chandlery they have demonstrated that it is possible to recruit and retain engineers, fabricators and other skilled tradesmen in a small coastal community and build a sustainable business around boatbuilding, re-fit and repair.

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Because of its specific nature, this is an investment that has not been identified as a need by a large number of people who have taken part in this study but it is nonetheless regarded as possible priority for public sector intervention because it could deliver far more than a commercial service and produce multiple indirect benefits. However, this does require careful viability assessment to ensure that, after initial pump priming, it is a service that could function successfully commercially. It also requires commercial and educational partners to take it forward.

3.4 Aquaculture Again not an area highlighted as one of the most popular for investment, but we have considered its potential in terms of the need for intervention and achievable longer term benefits and transformational change for Cornwall. Cornwall is the UK’s only county surrounded on three sides by sea and therefore deserves to be at the forefront of developments in aquaculture (another subject with Centre of Excellence potential). Putting this theory to the test has proved difficult to date, with the Government’s own initiative on fin fish farming off the Cornish coast put on hold due to the exposed nature of the coast and many of the commercial shellfish farms suffering from water quality issues. In our view, this provides even more justification for investment, researching ways in which aquaculture can be undertaken more successfully off the Cornish coast. Failure to do so places Cornwall in danger of missing out in the future, when aquaculture is likely to have a much larger part to play in feeding the world than it does at present.

3.5 Small Infrastructure Projects Our understanding is that the purpose of this study is to identify options for major investment projects that will support and develop Cornwall’s seafood industry. However, a noticeable finding has been the impact that relatively small investments have had in recent years. For example, the provision of chill facilities, ice facilities or landing and mooring infrastructure, sometimes costing just a few hundreds or thousands of pounds, but providing major enhancements to product quality and profitability. Often these investments are being made in the tiny coves and ports which are home to only a small number of boats but nonetheless produce the products that are gaining the attention of the high end of the market and boosting Cornwall’s reputation.

Our research has shown that there are a number of projects already at the planning stage, some ‘oven ready’ and several more that could soon be developed – these are all dependent on, and waiting for, future grant funding. Within the industry there is a positive entrepreneurial spirit, a will to exploit the opportunities available for Cornish fish in as many ways as possible. Therefore, alongside major investments, we recommend that this type of investment continues. Smaller projects to enhance processing and packaging could also be included in this type of scheme.

3.6 Attracting New Entrants This study has shown what an important, valuable and multi-faceted contribution fishing and the wider seafood industry makes to the Cornish economy. It has also identified a need to attract new entrants to provide the increasing numbers of people the industry will need in the future, and to replace the ageing workforce as people retire. A key factor will be the

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ability of the industry to attract first generation entrants. All the above initiatives have the potential to make the industry a better place to work, to provide quality, well paid jobs and thereby to improve the attractiveness of fishing and related industries as an occupation.

Fishing would also benefit from a programme similar to those that have been developed in the food manufacturing and hospitality sectors (where an image of unpleasant work and unsociable hours etc. is also an issue) to improve understanding and messaging in schools and colleges and amongst the community. This is particularly important given the GVA figures for fishing versus other sectors referenced in the Background section at the start of this document.

3.7 Marketing Not an area that we were asked to cover, but a subject that any investment will need to consider. At present, the marketing of Cornish seafood is fragmented and could do more to build and support the industry if it was undertaken in a strategic and co-ordinated – but commercially sustainable - fashion. Our 2014 survey demonstrated the high regard for Cornish seafood amongst UK consumers and we know from other work we are engaged in that the catering industry (from institutional catering to high end establishments) is similarly receptive – the next few years present a ‘golden opportunity’ to expand the markets for Cornish fish and increase the value-added in a way that sets the industry up for a sustainable future. Many in the industry quote the value of the work of the Seafood Cornwall project, which did not survive funding cuts. We believe that creating a service with built-in commercial viability in a reasonably short time is entirely possible.

3.8 Industry cohesion and cross sector interdependence A final observation is that this study has highlighted just how complex and varied the Cornish and Isles of Scilly fishing and seafood industry is and a single study of this scope probably does not do it justice. The industry of the trawler fleet, for example, is as different from, say, day boat fishing or oyster farming, as horticulture is from dairy farming. It has also been apparent at times that different interests can conflict. Investments that allow all parts of the industry to flourish successfully in their own right will therefore improve overall cohesion.

Examples have been given of areas of previous investment that have been successful because they have created impacts that reach wider than the individual businesses receiving the grants. The widespread improvements throughout the supply chain that have improved the care of the catch at all levels – from the way the catch is handled at sea to the way it is handled by processors – were cited as a good example of individual investments that improve the collective reputation and value of the sector.

This study has also reinforced our understanding that the fishing and seafood industry has become quite isolated from other parts of the local economy. Fishing is inextricably woven into the tourism, cultural and creative fabric of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and there are mutual benefits to be gained from the sectors working more collaboratively. Possibly because of the diverse funding streams, fishing also sits apart from the rest of the food and drink sector. It is our belief that from the consumer point of view there is much to be gained from Cornish farming, food and fishing presenting a united front based around exceptional quality and Cornwall’s unique cultural, social and environmental heritage.

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REFERENCES We are indebted to the MMO for the assistance from their analysts on interpretation of some of the data used in this report. In addition to communications with the MMO team, data was drawn from the following websites: www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/monthly-sea-fisheries-statisticsnovember-2014 www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/vessel-lists-over-10-metres www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/vessel-lists-10-metres-and-under www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/uk-sea-fisheries-annual-statisticsreport-2013 www.webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140507202222/http:/www.marinemana gement.org.uk/fisheries/statistics/annual_archive.htm Other reference sources: Bournemouth University: Stakeholder Perceptions of the Cornwall Finfish Aquaculture Demonstration Project, accessed online but page no longer available Cornish Guardian: Trout Farms Plan Revealed for Cornish Coastline, 09 June 2014 Crown Estate, CEFAS and British Trout Association: Aquaculture: marine trout farming test and demonstration project, Background Q&A, July 2014 Western Morning News: Plymouth Fisheries celebrates 20th Anniversary with Turnover Increase, 26 February 2015 World Fishing and Aquaculture: Cornish Shellfish Back on the Menu. 15 October 2014 www.cornwall-ifca.gov.uk www.cornishshellfish.co.uk/mussels/index.htm www.faloyster.co.uk www.ices.dk/marine-data/maps/Pages/ICES-statistical-rectangles.aspx www.matthewstevens-cornishfish.co.uk/sustainable-fish/aquaculture-farming www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/fishin gvesselskipper.aspx www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/fishin gvesseldeckhand.aspx www.thewrightbrothers.co.uk/oyster_farm_fishery

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APPENDIX A Individuals and organisations who have participated in this study: Name

Company / Organisation

Type

Tony Tomlinson

Independent

FLAG Chair

Kim Spencer

Independent

FLAG Vice Chair

Sarah Crosbie

Seafood Cornwall Training Ltd

FLAG Member

Paul Trebilcock

Cornish Fish Producers Organisation

FLAG Member

Chris Gilbertson

Clerk to the harbour trustees - Mevagissey

FLAG Member

Rob Parsons Nathan de Rozarieux Jeff Penhaligon / Tina Hicks

Newlyn Harbour Master St Ives Fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association/Duchy Fish Quota Company/Come Fish With Me

FLAG Member

Looe Harbour Commissioners

FLAG Member

Felicity Sylvester

Brilliant Fish Community Interest Company

FLAG Member

Simon Cadman

Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority

FLAG Advisor

Nigel Legge

Representative

Johnny Murt

Cadgwith Fishermen's Association Padstow Fishermen and owner of North Cornish Catch

Cliff Bowden

Bude Fishermen's Association

Representative

Robert Francis

Isles of Scilly Fishermen

Representative

Kevin Penney Matt Slater and Ruth Williams

Dreckly Fish

Fishing co-op

Cornwall Wildlife Trust - Good Fish Guide

Wing of St Mawes Ltd/Newlyn Harbour

FLAG Project Fish Merchant /Harbour Commissioner

Robin Turner Richard Corner/Carl Menear

J H Turner & Co

Ex-Fish Merchant

Seafood & Eat It

Fish Merchant

Matthew Harvey

W Harvey & Sons

Elizabeth Stevenson

W Stevenson & Son and Newlyn Harbour Commissioner

Fish Merchant Fishing/Fish Merchant/ Auctioneer

Mark Greet

FalFish Ltd

Fish Merchant

Paul Blewett Andrea Spencer Smith

Camel Fish

Fish Merchant

Matthew Stevens and Son

Fish Merchant

Peter Haddock

Hayle Harbour Master

Harbour Master

John Carter

Hayle Fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association

Representative

Capt R M Atkinson

Padstow Harbour Master

Harbour Master

Byron Buse

Port Isaac Harbour Master

Harbour Master

Capt Paul Thomas

River Fowey Harbour Master

Harbour Master

Dale Clark

Isles of Scilly - St Mary's Harbour Master

Harbour Master

David Muirhead

South West Handline Fishermen's Association

Representative

Mike Collier

Mousehole Harbour Master

Harbour Master

Martin King

Portreath Harbour Master

Harbour Master

Robert CliffordWing

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FLAG Member

Representative

Terry George

Sennen Fishermen's Association

Representative

Steve Bassett

St Ives Harbour Master

Harbour Master

Philip Ward

Porthleven Harbour Master Falmouth Harbour Commissioners

Harbour Master Deputy Harbour Master

Ollie Puckey

Polperro Harbour Master and ex-fishermen

Harbour Master

Chris Mlynski Robert â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Preston

Portloe Fisherman

Fisherman

Mevagissey Fisherman

Fisherman

Jerry Marshall

Rock Shellfish

Aquaculture

Duncan Paul

Plus a number of fishermen on site at harbours around the county

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