Fathom: getting below the surface of the UK fishing industry.

One year ago, we recorded our first ever episode live at the Future of Our Inshore Fisheries Conference. This landmark, inclusive event saw active fishermen, industry leaders, policy makers, regulators, researchers and a number of environmental groups come together in one place, to discuss the future management of the UK’s Inshore Fisheries.

This was a vital opportunity for real grassroots knowledge-sharing, where inshore fishermen were able to share their expertise and experience of fishing in the UK. There was an incredible energy in the room and an undeniable excitement around the possibility of collaborative action and change. Five key themes emerged, including co-management and collaborative science, resulting in a comprehensive report and action plan.

Now, a year later, we look back at this extraordinary moment with key members of the working group - Barrie Deas of the NFFO and Anne Freeman of Defra - to ask about what’s changed and see where we are now. In this upbeat and optimistic conversation, we ask Barrie and Anne how they feel about the elephant in the room - the global pandemic - and how this curveball has affected progress.

“This year was always going to be really hard, because of EU negotiations and preparation for the end of the Transition Period”, Anne states, “None of us foresaw Covid at that point and the terrible impacts that would have on the industry as a whole - particularly the inshore and the shellfish sector. But I think all this work that we have been doing has been really useful in helping the government to understand the sectors in more detail.”

Whilst there has been a delay in concrete, tangible progress, both guests point out that the year has seen a vital step in relationships being built between policy and industry, with the collaborative and communicative nature of the conference carving a clear pathway for future work.

“Covid has been a good example of co-management in the raw,” highlights Barrie. “The financial support package didn’t just fall out of the sky, it had to be fought for. It was a good example of the regulators and industry working together, on the basis of good information. That’s the essence of co-management!”

We reflect on how the energy and enthusiasm of last year’s conference might be re-mobilised after such a difficult year, ask what the Steering Group are doing, moving forward, for inshore fisheries, and discuss complex issues such as the Fisheries Bill, co-management, and quota allocation.

“What we’re doing here, at the moment, is creating a framework that will help us move forward”, explains Barrie. “We are making sure an inshore voice is heard, in everything we do”, continues Anne. It is key for fishermen to stay engaged in these discussions: at the heart of the conference was the need for industry-led change. Tune in for an update!

Fathom guests

Anne Freeman, Deputy Director, Domestic Fisheries and Reform, Defra Barrie Deas, CEO, NFFO

Relevant links
Future of Our Inshore Fisheries Report

Fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. It takes its toll physically and mentally on the body and yet there is no occupational support for fishermen to access. The work is tough and the hours are long so getting home in time to make an appointment is almost impossible.
The SeaFit Programme has found a new way to help get fishermen fit and healthy, and help them stay that way. The programme was set up because fishermen find it difficult to make and keep pre-booked health appointments, they can't plan for time off because the weather, tides and fish locations often dictate when they need to be out at sea.

SeaFit is a joint initiative, set up between the Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society, with funding from Seafarers UK. In addition to the main partners, SeaFit also works with local GPs, opticians, health professionals and charitable organisations.

If you would like any health and wellbeing support please get in contact. All the contact details can be found below.
In Cornwall?
Call Hazel to get healthy lifestyle advice on 07753 460 957 (you can text too) or email: [email protected]

Call Ceri from Fairwinds about mental health support you can reach her on 01736 366 224 or email: [email protected]
Outside Cornwall?

If you are outside of Cornwall and would like to be connected to a programme near you please call Carol Elliott, SeaFit Project Manager [email protected] or 07486 319621.

Events coming up
Health and wellbeing events for fishermen and their families.

• 14th May Newhaven

Provisional dates

• 5 & 6 May or 12 & 13 May Bridlington
• 7th to 18th September Cornwall/Devon
• End September Kilkeel and Ardglass
• End October North Shields
• In Peterhead, SeaFit will have a new Health Trainer service set up starting in March.

Please follow @GetSeaFit on Twitter for regular updates.

Want to speak to someone about your mental health?
Big White Wall provides online support 24/7 in a safe, supportive and anonymous environment. Services include access to trained counsellors, a support network, self-help materials and one to one therapy.
You can access the BWW service straight away and it only takes a few minutes – just click on one of the links below. They go to a very short questionnaire that all potential users are asked to complete. Please be assured it is entirely anonymous.
GET SUPPORT HERE

We are taking you on a deep dive into the Future of Our Inshore Fisheries Conference - a hugely significant event that took place just a few weeks ago. Of course, team Fathom were there. Join us to find out what the conference meant to fishermen, and hear from Government officials on what happens next.
Got thoughts? Get in touch @Fathom_Podcast

Women play an integral role across the seafood supply chain - from caring in fishing families, to policy, net fixing, processing and catching. But why do we know so little about them? Why do their voices remain relatively ‘invisible’, and why does the industry remain male-dominated?

Whilst only scratching the surface, this episode creates the space for women in fishing to share their stories and experiences. Our all-female line-up, interviewed by Harriet Yates-Smith, includes three incredible women, from fisherwomen to researchers.

We first speak to Madeleine Gustavsson, lead researcher at the Women in Fisheries project. She tells us of the in-depth, qualitative research she has conducted with women working in seafood, in order to understand women’s roles, identities and sense of wellbeing in the industry.

Importantly, we explore the ‘culture’ of fishing and the tendency to under-value women’s work and explore ways to overcome this.

Madeleine has unearthed stories of ‘fish entrepreneurs’ - women making space for themselves in a male-dominated industry by developing innovative processing practices and unique marketing ideas. We also talk of fishing families, whose lives are shaped by ‘the rhythms of fishing ... the tides, the weather, the seasons,’ as Madeleine beautifully puts it.

The podcast also includes insightful conversations with two fisherwomen - Ashley, based in Wells-next-the-Sea who calls herself ‘The Female Fisherman on Instagram shares an honest and enthusiastic account of her days out at sea. Jamie, a fifth-generation salmon fisherwoman in rural Alaska talks of set-netting, caring for children, history, and the legacy of her great grandmothers’ fishing knowledge.

Tune in for uplifting, thought-provoking and funny conversations surrounding women and the fishing industry - an important listen for all genders and all ages, and an important step in developing a network of fishing females.

Fathom hosts:

Harriet Yates-Smith

Fathom guests:

Dr Madeleine Gustavsson - lead researcher on Women in Fisheries project

Ashley Mullenger - fisherwoman in Wells-next-the-Sea

Jamie O'Connor - fisherwoman in Alaska

Links

Women in Fisheries
Women in Fisheries policy brief
Women in Fisheries Facebook page
Women in Fisheries Facebook group (women in fisheries only)

For the premiere of the fourth series, CFPO CEO Chris Ranford and guest co-host Clive Palfrey, from Seafood Cornwall Training, who is Fathom’s in-house specialist on all things safety, are joined by Charles Blyth, the Risk, Safety & Training Lead at the NFFO. It’s been over two years since Fathom has recorded a safety-themed episode, and given the ever-shifting nature of health & safety regulation and new requirements on the horizon, it’s a really important topic to start on and a must-listen for anyone working onboard fishing vessels!
The fourth series of the Fathom podcast has been produced by the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation (CFPO) with funding from The Seafarers’ Charity.

The new MCA code for fishing vessels under 12m, which was implemented in September 2021 and new regulations emanating from ILO188 has caused some apprehension as to what exactly fishermen need to do to remain compliant with the law. In this episode, Charles and Clive are on hand to help disentangle some of the complexities and answer some frequently asked questions arising from these new regulations, specifically focusing in on three areas: medical examinations, lifting equipment and enclosed spaces.
In regards to medical examinations, by November 2023, all fishermen will be required to hold a medical certificate, not just those out at sea for more than 72 hours. We’re taken through the two different options open to fishermen: the ENG1 which is regarded as a higher grade medical but can only be undertaken by an MCA-approved doctor, or the ML5, which is only applicable to inshore fishermen. We compare the benefits, shortfalls, practicalities and costs involved. Listen in to find out which one is more likely to suit you!
The conversation then pivots to safety, with our guests speaking to their experience travelling around quaysides and noticing an endemic of unmaintained lifting equipment. There’s a reminder of the importance of regular, close inspections and maintaining a proper paper-trail of all your machinery. Imminent changes to the rules around enclosed spaces are also discussed, with a focus on accessing support to stay ahead of compliance as the rule changes come into force in May.
The entire episode is a must-listen health & safety checklist, with the main message from our guests that fishermen should get themselves sorted now and to speak to organisations that can provide help. Seafit is one such organisation that can provide advice if you’re concerned about your health ahead of a medical examination. While broader advice about what you need to do to stay ahead of compliance and the grants available to help you do just that can be found by contacting the NFFO.