In this third flash episode, we hear previously unreleased material from June’s conversation with Roger Gee from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Clive Palfrey from Seafood Cornwall Training. This time we delve into the details about how to approach unannounced MCA inspections, paperwork requirements, and risk assessments. This is followed by an insightful exploration into other issues such as man overboard recovery procedures, cold water shock, and using our emergency services.

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

Flash Ep: MCA vessel inspections

Our second flash episode sees us talking to Duncan MacInnes from the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association. We chat to Duncan about how the new Marine Fund Scotland is helping young Scottish fishermen buy fishing vessels, and how this could help revitalise Scotland’s fishing industry. Duncan also talks about the history of funding and cooperation in his region, and we consider whether these models could be emulated elsewhere in the UK.

Flash Ep: Funding the Ambitions of the Next Generation

For our first ever flash episode, we head out to sea in Wells with Ashley Mullenger, aka The Female Fisherman.  We chat to Ashley from her boat about using social media to connect with other fishermen around the UK, engaging with the media and public on the realities of small-scale commercial fishing, and spreading the word of local seafood.

Flash Ep: The Female Fisherman

&apos;This isn&apos;t about a regulator wanting to do something for regulation&apos;s sake. This is about ensuring that the industry has somewhere to go in the years ahead &apos;. Are you a vessel owner? Did you recently receive a letter from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) about safety and compliance with ILO188? We’re here to help. You will have heard a lot of safety talk flying around over the past year, but it’s something the industry can still improve on. With a heartbreaking seven lives lost last winter, each and every vessel owner has a huge responsibility in ensuring that this loss of life doesn&apos;t continue to happen.Tune in for an honest, informative discussion between MCA’s Roger Gee and Seafood Cornwall Training’s Clive Palfrey. We’ll walk you through what you need to do, whilst getting to the bottom of why this issue is so vital and why - as Paul says - ‘the temperature has changed with the MCA’. Some of the points covered: What is ILO188? Medical certificates - what they are, and who needs one. PFDs - when you need to wear one. Fishermen&apos;s Work Agreements - they’re here to guarantee you pay, working hours and safer working conditions.Surveillance and surveying. As Roger says, this isn’t about the MCA. This is about you, your crew, and your family’s wellbeing. HOSTS Chris Ranford, CFPO Paul Treblicock, CFPO GUESTS Roger Gee, Maritime and Coastguard Agency Clive Palfrey, Seafood Cornwall Training

A serious letter

For our second episode of the season, we delve into the baffling, yet essential topic of finance. We wanted this episode to be as useful as possible for the industry, so we’ve reached out to gain practical, on-the-ground insight, and understand what fishermen can do to become financially secure and get businesses off the ground.With various grants being announced for the industry, such as the MMO’s new Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FSS), what are these pots of money for, and how can fishermen begin applying? Rob Poole works for Fishing Animateur - a team funded by The Seafarers&apos; Charity, dedicated to helping the industry develop projects to secure grants - and is no better placed to answer these questions. We chat to Rob about all things funding. Ever heard of credit unions? They’re different to high street banks in that they’re not-for-profit, and are member-owned and run, with no private shareholders. With this model, credit unions are able to develop and deliver the financial services that members really need. James Richards works for the Commsave credit union, who have been working closely with The Seafarers&apos; Charity to develop services, especially for the fishing industry. Keen to find out more about how this inclusive, supportive cooperative can support your business? Tune in!Being financially savvy can unlock a number of opportunities for industry members, and these practical, easy-to-understand discussions are a great place to start! GuestsRob Poole, Fishing Animateur James Richards, CommsaveHost Paul Trebilcock Chris Ranford 

Get to grips with funding and financial services

We’re back for the second season of Fathom, and we have a treat of a first episode for you. Following what’s been an incredibly difficult year, we shine some positive light on the future of British Fish. This episode weaves together three stories of how individuals and organisations are pulling together to promote quality, wild-caught, sustainably harvested seasonal British fish and shellfish to British consumers. We hear voices from right across the supply chain, starting with the catch sector and the entrepreneurial, unstoppable duo Buck and Nicola Beckett, who have built a hugely successful direct selling business - Buck Becketts Fresh Shellfish - reconnecting consumers with the boat and people behind their seafood. Nicola explains the value of fostering a direct, emotional relationship with customers, and tells of a growing appetite from the public to buy locally. We then hear from the retail sector, both big and small, starting with Victoria Townsend of Ocean Fish. She stresses the importance of getting top supermarkets on board with wild, British fish, and tells us of the work Ocean Fish are doing to facilitate this transition. Lastly, we hear from Sue Lucas of Camberley’s renowned, independent fishmonger, Passion 4 Fish. Sue’s deep understanding and knowledge of British fish has inspired customers to adapt their purchases, to tune in to the nature and provenance of wild species, and to connect with the individual boats catching their seafood. These stories paint a bigger picture, nodding to a refreshing sea-change in consumer habits and a growing support for British caught and landed fish. Guests Buck and Nicola Beckett, Buck Becketts Fresh ShellfishVictoria Townsend, Ocean Fish Sue Lucas, Passion 4 Fish Hosts Paul Trebilcock, CFPO Chris Ranford, Roam Marine 

Backing British Fish

Thanks to funding from The Sefararers&apos; Charity,  the Fathom podcast is getting ready to launch a second series!We&apos;ll be releasing monthly episodes, covering a wide range of fishing industry issues. As usual, we&apos;ll be breaking down complex subjects through meaningful conversations and getting to the heart of what matters. From policy to safety, finance and funding, to marketing, welfare support, and training - we&apos;ll be seeking out the experts that know the subject best, so you don&apos;t have to.Fathom hosts Paul and Chris kick things off as they outline what to expect from this series. 

Fathom: Season 2 teaser

‘This is the biggest blow I’ve ever had, in all my years of fishing’. It’s our last episode for a few months, and it’s a big one. We head to the quayside - through the ‘new normal’ medium of Zoom, Whatsapp and good old fashioned telephone calls - to talk to fishermen about their feelings and thoughts, following the disappointing (to say the least) UK/EU Agreement. With all the politically-charged articles and press releases flying around, it’s easy to miss the real lives, livelihoods and communities behind the headlines. Enter Fathom: a place where these on-the-ground voices are heard. We hear from young and old, new and experienced, inshore and offshore fishermen, who share heartfelt accounts of the Brexit deal. First, we hear from Brackan, a young Cornish fisherman working on an inshore trawler. Talking of the Government’s failure to stop EU vessels from accessing the UK’s territorial waters (6-12 miles), he says, ‘everyone in the fishing industry is pushing toward sustainability, and the government had a golden opportunity to give sustainability and the future of inshore fisheries a massive boost…  but they’ve given it away. They failed to deliver.’Moving our way around the coast, we then chat to experienced skipper-owner of the ‘The Guiding Light’ Andy Giles, from Looe. Again, he shares his anger as UK fishing became the ‘poster boy of the Brexit campaign’, only to be ‘sold down the river.’ We also travel outside of the South-west, to get the views of fisherman Graham Doswell of the under-10m fleet over in Eastbourne, who talks to us with a heavy heart, as the opportunity to level out quota allocations and support the u10m fleet has been missed. Tune in to hear these stories and more, from Scottish fisherman John Clark, owner of an offshore trawler, to inshore fisherman and CFPO Youth Board member, James Roberts. We know of the anger, but what of the hope, if any? We ask the guys if we can dust ourselves off and find a light at the end of the tunnel, and finish with a conversation with CEO Paul Trebilcock about his hopes and expectations of 2021.Hosts Paul Trebilcock Chris Ranford GuestsBrackan Pearce Andy GilesGraham Doswell John Clark James Roberts Links CFPO reaction: ‘Betrayed by Boris’Support the show (https://www.seafarers.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw7qn1BRDqARIsAKMbHDZJUvawq90oigSKfM7JnjhgzThGXfui8JHzk1SnepwZn1dOTjTUIaUaAjriEALw_wcB)

Fathom 31: Brexit deal: Voices from the quayside

We end the year on our 30th (but, perhaps not final) episode, and it&apos;s a landmark moment that no doubt will go down in history: the UK Fisheries Bill has passed through parliament and received royal assent, becoming the UK Fisheries Act. The Act will provide the legislative framework for future fisheries management in the UK, replacing the Common Fisheries Policy as we depart from the EU. It’s 133 pages long, and not that easy to read... the good news is, we’ve read it all - so you don’t have to. In this unmissable episode, we talk to Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis MP, and Defra Deputy Director Anne Freeman, to break down what the Act really means for the industry.You might be curious about why the phrase ‘framework Act’ is continually bashed about - we’ll explore what this means, along with how the key tagline of ‘taking back control of our waters’ will be achieved. We also ask our guests about the huge sticking point of sustainability, unearthing where the objective of sustainable fishing sits in the Act, as well as exploring the climate change, ecosystem and bycatch objectives. Tune in to learn about so much more: localised fisheries management plans, quotas, foreign vessel access. The changes embedded in the Act will be felt on water, so it really is one to get your head around. Podcast hosts: Paul Trebilcock Katrina Ryan Podcast guests: Victoria Prentis MP, Fisheries Minister Anne Freeman, Defra Deputy DirectorLinks UK Fisheries Act 

Fathom 30: The UK Fisheries Act

We’re deep into November, and the tumultuous, exhausting year of 2020 is coming to an end. And who could be better placed to give an end of 2020 check-in, than Tom McCormack, CEO of the MMO. Tom joins us on the podcast with his top team Phil Haslam, Operations Director, and Michelle Willis, Finance Director, to outline a number of critical updates from the MMO that will help the industry navigate the UK’s fast-approaching transition to an independent coastal state. It’s easy to get lost in all the Brexit jargon and overwhelmed by the plethora of changes happening this year. But as Tom says, ‘we want to focus first on what we know... the EU transition period is definitely ending on the 31st of December.’ He continues, ‘whether there’s a trade agreement or not, things will change. We need to be ready to fish in our own waters and in EU waters’. Phil then gives an overview of how exporting and importing will change on January 1st. Exported fish will need catch certificates, as proof of legal and sustainable sourcing - to facilitate this process, the MMO are piloting an online platform on which fishermen can apply for catch certificates, and access useful services (including a 24/7 helpline) to support their applications. This week represents an iterative ‘warm up period’, allowing the industry to trial this Fish Export Service and give their feedback. We also hear about licencing, control and enforcement.The MMO have been a vast source of support for fishermen throughout recent months, running ‘MMO outdoors’ for face-to-face support as the pandemic has unfolded. Michelle confirms that as of December 29th, support will be 24/7. Also to note is the repurposing of £800,000 ofMaritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF) funding - which so far has been invested in winches, refrigeration, and health and safety projects, and to which new applications are encouraged. There are a number of key things that fishermen should do now to prepare: Register for the Fish Export Service if you intend to direct land in the EU, and join the dummy run to familiarise yourself with the system Register for your IMO number - contact the MMO with your phone number and email address if you haven’t already done so Attend the MMO’s workshops, where you can ask real-time questions, happening between 21 - 26 NovGet in touch with the MMO These dark winter months are the perfect time to ready yourself for the incoming changes - as usual, Fathom is here to help you, with an easily-digestible, conversational breakdown from the experts. Fathom guests Tom McCormack, MMO Phil Haslam, MMOMichelle Willis, MMO Useful links Prepare your fisheries business for changes from January 1st 2021Exporting fish to the EU from January 1st 2021One stop shop Series of helpful guides 

Fathom 29: Preparing for the 1st January with the MMO

It’s been hard to ignore the eye-opening research released by Seafarers UK earlier last month. The landmark report, “Fishing Without a Safety Net: The Financial Resilience of Small-Scale Coastal Fishers, their Families and Communities”, revealed the precarious financial situation experienced by small-scale fishermen around the UK. Fluctuating incomes, difficulty budgeting, an inability to access affordable credit and an overburden of debt may all be painfully familiar for some. In this episode of Fathom, we talk to Deborah Layde and Tina Barnes from Seafarers UK, to unravel the research behind the report, along with the key findings. Whilst this financial precarity is not reflective of the entire industry, it is vital that we don’t leave this part of the fleet behind, particularly as another lockdown is likely to exacerbate fishermen’s financial struggles. Bleak findings have been met with urgent, innovative solutions: Seafarers UK have been quick to respond to the research, proposing a number of recommendations for individuals, charity and government to improve the financial resilience of small-scale fishermen and their families. These range from the centrepiece‘ share fisher plus cooperative approach’, to a national credit union, tailored specifically for the small-scale fleet. Wondering what on earth these things mean? Tune in! The ‘Safety Net’ is still very much an active piece of work, and any ideas or comments from within the industry will be highly welcomed. Fathom guests Deborah Layde, Seafarers UKTina Barnes, Seafarers UK Fathom host Chris Ranford Relevant links The Safety Net press release Fishing Without a Safety Net reportFishing Without a Safety Net Webinar 

Fathom 28: Financial resilience in fishing communities

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

Episode 27: Future of Our Inshore Fisheries: One Year On

As summer fades over the horizon and the crisp autumnal months begin to settle in, we take this transitional moment as an opportunity to take our busy Fathom schedule back to the quayside and touch base with the CFPO and our co-host Paul Trebilcock, to reflect and forecast. We answer an array of fishermen's questions that have been bouncing around the quayside in recent weeks, focusing primarily on the turbulent political climate. As key changes such as the Fisheries Bill are seemingly being left down to the wire, our listeners would not be blamed for having questions about the future. Wondering how Brexit is really going to pan out for the industry? Questioning what the three year transition period will look like? Want to know whether there is room for new measures to help maintain sustainable fish stocks? Curious about potential and emerging fisheries, such as Bluefin Tuna in the southwest? Speculating on what the industry might look like in 20 years? You are not alone.Tune is we have a crack at answering some of your burning industry-specific questions -  it’s time for a reality check! Fathom Hosts Paul TrebilcockChris Ranford Support the show (https://www.seafarers.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw7qn1BRDqARIsAKMbHDZJUvawq90oigSKfM7JnjhgzThGXfui8JHzk1SnepwZn1dOTjTUIaUaAjriEALw_wcB)

Fathom 26: A reality check for the months ahead

If you have been tuned in to the discussion on social media, it will not come as news to you that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have launched an open consultation on the revised small vessel code, MSN 1871. The new Code of Practice will affect all fishing vessels of less than 15m in length and, with a focus on safety, arrives at a critical moment when a great deal of attention is being brought to the fatalities suffered on small vessels over the years. The objectives are twofold: to reduce the number of lives lost at sea by improving safety standards on small fishing vessels, and to align these standards more closely with small commercial vessels and workboats. The newly proposed requirements span topics from watertight integrity, to electrical installations and man overboard recovery. In this comprehensive and incredibly useful episode, we hear from two of the most knowledgeable and experienced experts on practical safety. We first speak to Roger Gee, principal consultant surveyor at the MCA, to help us to unpick the lengthy draft code and reveal what these changes will mean for the small-scale fleet. We then talk with Clive Palfrey, Regional Safety Advisor at Seafood Cornwall Training and previous fisherman himself, who shares some practical guidance for the industry. This is what Fathom is all about: getting below the surface of complex fishing regulations. There is still time to engage in the open consultation and it is integral that all voices are heard, to ensure that the code works for the industry. By making the discussion transparent we hope to encourage as many fishermen as possible to contribute. Fathom hosts Chris Ranford Paul Trebilcock Fathom guests Roger Gee, Principal Consultant Surveyor at the MCA Clive Palfrey, Regional Safety Advisor at Seafood Cornwall Training Links MCA Small Vessel Code consultation 

Episode 25: Preparing for Change: The Small Fishing Vessel Safety Code

“The last straw came when all the fishermen working on the quay were given a letter to vacate the site, clear all our gear off, as they wanted to build housing… so we decided… rather than sell this land to a developer, can the fishermen buy it?”This is a story of how a strong, self-organised community of fishermen in the southeast stood up against the gentrification of their harbour. The Eastbourne fishermen, with the help of the New Economics Foundation (NEF), have been innovatively accessing an array of funds and garnering public and political support to secure their future through the Fishing Quay project. The project is finally coming to fruition following years of setbacks, hard work and grassroots action.This story paints a bigger picture, and we frame this episode of Fathom within a discussion of fisheries funds. Government grant mechanisms have long been relied upon by the industry, to improve safety and sustainability, develop landing sites, auctions and marketing, modernise harbours… the list goes on. However, with the remaining Maritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF) being diverted to COVID-19 related support, and with Brexit drying up the EU support package, the industry has been left without a live grant scheme. Long term, strategic grant systems are vital to help fishermen ride the wave of changes brought about by a tumultuous year. Whilst DEFRA and the MMO work on a new funding programme, with a promised launch in 2021, this Fathom episode provides some guidance on how the industry can best make the most of this lull in funding.  This is the time to reflect and assess, to think about how the industry can use future funds to become more resilient, and to design novel, local projects to best channel these funds. The Eastbourne case is just one story. The episode also includes a quick update from the MMO, and a useful explanation of credit unions and the role they can play in unlocking grant schemes. Tune in for inspiration! Fathom hostChris Ranford Fathom guests Graham Doswell (Eastbourne Fishermen’s CIC) Chris Williams (NEF) Links Eastbourne Fishermen’s CICLight on the Horizon: The Story of the Eastbourne Fishing Quay Graham’s Story: How a Community Took ControlFishing Animateur Credit Unions 

Fathom 24: The story of Eastbourne fishermen

There is so much more to fishing than just catching fish. Through real conversations with real fishermen, fishing experts and the people who write the rules, we'll help you navigate complex fishing regulations, be more safety-aware, keep up to date on market trends and much more. We'll also be scouring the UK coast for amazing stories from fishing families - connecting you to harbours, boats, and people, around the country. Fathom is brought to you by the Cornish Fish Producers' Organisation and funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and Seafarers UK.

hubhopper

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

hubhopper