Fishermen must unite to save industry (From Western Telegraph)

Fishermen must unite to save industry

A great success and a very positive pointer to the future was the verdict, following the recent meeting of the new South and West Wales Fishermens Association at the County Hall, Haverfordwest.

An audience of over 50 commercial fishermen and other interested individuals heard a distinguished panel of speakers address the benefits to fishermen of working together to meet the challenges facing the industry.

The new association has been established by fishermen for fishermen with the aim of protecting, developing and representing the interests of fishing communities across South Wales.

The meeting heard that it is essential membership continues to grow so the association can establish credibility and support from funding bodies and other authorities. Advertisements for two full-time staff will appear across the UK as soon as the Objective One funding bid is approved.

John Allen-Mirehouse, Pembrokeshire County Councils deputy leader, read an article from Fishing News of 20 years ago which spoke of a new Fishermens Association for Wales. That one failed through lack of commitment, he said. This one cannot afford to fail for the sake of the industry.

Dr Ian Lawler, of the Irish Sea Fisheries Board (BIM), and John Pockley, chief executive of the Yorkshire Shellfishermens Association, described in detail the considerable progress resulting from the establishment of active fishermens groups in Ireland and Yorkshire and the success those groups were having in improving the businesses of local fishermen.

Two strong messages emerged: People dont listen to individuals, they listen to organisations; and, if fishermen do not organise and pull together they will be at the mercy of events not in control of them.

Neil Howard, head of the FIFG and EAGGF Objective One programmes for Wales, said that the Welsh fishing industry had gone so far down that it can now only go up or out. He gave an upbeat account of the availability of EU funds for supporting the fishing industry in Wales and stressed the willingness of the Welsh European Funding Office to assist associations to deal with the complex application process. He predicted that the associations bid for funding would be determined in about four months.

He also confirmed that any Objective One funding for the small scale inshore fishing sector was not dependent on any money which had previously been allocated for a decommissioning scheme in Wales.

Local MP Nick Ainger stressed the urgent need for fishermen to take advantage of the opportunities on offer and to work together with a positive and professional approach to their future. He told them: You really need this association if you want to face the challenges ahead with any hope of success.

David Gardner, of the associations steering group thanked the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire County Council, the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and the Milford Docks Company for providing financial support for the meeting. Further information about the association and details of how to join can be obtained by telephoning him on 01437 779231 or 763400.

CAPTION

Jeremy Percy (pictured) commercial fisherman and fisheries consultant, painted a vivid picture of the challenges facing the industry in Wales and elsewhere and described the positive ways by which the fishermen could create a more positive future for themselves. He highlighted a number of important initiatives that fishermen could take through the association to develop new fisheries, protect the ones they have and improve the income they get from the work they do. The association is currently putting together applications for 100% funding for members for safety equipment and protective clothing and for the continuation of the lobster V notching scheme in Wales.

PICTURE: Western Telegraph.