The South West Handline Fishermen’s Association represents over 100 handline fishermen in the south west of England. They are passionate about the fish they catch, how they catch it and have developed a tagging scheme to provide hook to plate traceability.
The fishery
South West Handline Fishermen’s Association (SWHFA) was formed in order to obtain quota as a non-sector organisation.
The fleet fish for mackerel, pollack, bass and squid.
The Issue
Sea Bass now graces the menus of the country top restaurants and is increasingly being cooked in the home for that special occasion.
But, as its popularity has risen so to have concerns about the sustainability of wild-caught bass and the environmental impact of farmed bass.
The Solution
Using hook and line enables improved selectivity both in species and size of catch.
The the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
South West Handline Fishermen’s Association (SWHFA) have introduced an individual tagging system for each fish caught using a hook and line.
You can visit their website and enter the TAG number and ask ‘who caught my fish?’
The Process
Numbered tags are inserted into the gills or mouth by the fishermen (and remain in the fish until taken out by the end user).
The tagged fish are stored in a slush-ice mix in insulated tubs to keep the catch fresh.
Once the fish reach the market they are re-iced to ensure continued quality.
The website can be used by anyone in the supply chain from wholesaler to restauranteurs to see who caught their fish.
The SWHFA advocate that when you buy line-caught you can be assured the fish has been caught using sustainable and traditional method with a minimal environmental impact with hook and line.
The tags can be recycled to help save costs. You can return them to: Seafood Cornwall Training, Admiralty Boathouse, 23 The Strand, Newlyn, Cornwall TR18 5HL.
The SWHFA received generous funding from the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) via the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fisheries Local Action Group.
"Once again the SWHFA and their members are setting the bench mark for fish handling techniques aimed at ensuring top quality fish are reaching the consumer in the very best condition possible."
