The Great British Inshore Fishing Survey hosted by the Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC is the opportunity for all small-scale fishermen across England, Scotland and Wales to have their voices heard and let Government know what needs to be done to make the lives and livelihoods of small-scale fishermen, their families and community, better.
The survey will run through the summer, its findings compiled into a report to Government that will be launched at a Parliamentary event for MPs in early September.
There is much disappointment around the coast following the new EU deal that does not deliver the 6-12nm area for exclusive UK fishing use, and more fishing opportunities, and now new MPA rules on the cards that will displace fishermen too.
For too long inshore fishing fleets, often the iconic beating heart of their coastal communities have not had their voices heard, have not had access to policy makers and so largely policy is developed and made to them, not with them.
The small-scale fleet continues to struggle with engaging with regulators consultations that are often held during office hours and fishing days where fishermen are faced with the choice of missing a day at sea and earning or attending a meeting.
The survey is aimed at small scale inshore fishermen across England, Scotland, and Wales. It seeks views across multiple areas of national competency to include fishing opportunities, national and inshore fisheries monitoring, management and enforcement regimes, vessel safety inspections and crew training.
Despite accounting for 79% of the number of fishing vessels in the UK, under 10-meter vessels only account for 5% of landings by tonnage. Since 2008 the under 10-meter fleet has reduced by almost 25% almost double the losses of the larger over 10-meter fleet.
With accelerated decline in the inshore fleet, there is a real concern that it could now disappear completely within a generation. The survey and subsequent report look to help inform Government as it considers if the inshore fleet needs saving, and if so, how.