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Author: Gavin O'Donnell

Wild Salmon Connections

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

A year on from being declared an endangered species in Great Britain by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), new data indicates that wild salmon populations are continuing to decline at an alarming rate. In Great Britain, this iconic and once common fish now shares its status with the tiger and the Ganges river dolphin.

From 27-29th of January environmental organisations from around the world gathered at Fishmongers’ Hall for a critical conference – Wild Salmon Connections, hosted by The Missing Salmon Alliance, aiming to activate an urgent, renewed international focus on wild salmon, inspiring action to secure thriving wild salmon at the heart of healthy ecosystems.

Prime Warden Andrew Sutcliffe opened conference proceedings

The event implored politicians, regulators and industry to do far more to support wild salmon recovery across both the Atlantic and Pacific where populations of these keystone species are in severe decline. Demonstrating both the gravity of the salmon’s decline, and the convening power of Fishmongers’ Hall as a venue, government officials from the UK, Scotland and Norway spoke at the event, as did representatives of Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific who made a plea for world leaders to save wild salmon and the many cultures which depend on them. You can watch recordings of all sessions from across the 3 day conference here.

Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, was in attendance and spoke at the event. He said ‘The plight of wild Atlantic salmon is of concern to all of us’, and ‘Last summer when the Secretary of State took charge in his very first week he set out five key priorities for the department in which I serve and two relate very directly to the issues that are under discussion here. One is to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas and the other is to ensure nature’s recovery’.

Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs alongside Fisheries Director Andrew Wallace, Mark Loyd CEO of the Rivers Trust, Theresa Dent CEO of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and Peter Landale President of the Atlantic Salmon Trust.

Mairi Gougeon MSP, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands; and Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and the Environment, also spoke at the event and agreed on the urgent need to do more to protect and restore wild salmon.

In the wake of this keynote international conference the Missing Salmon Alliance have released its Wild Salmon Connections Declaration calling for urgent action and a renewed sense of purpose to arrest the decline and accelerate the recovery of wild salmon.  The declaration calls upon governments and all organisations involved in the conservation of wild salmon, to take strong and bold action to: 

  • Deliver strong policies, actions, and funding to address the range of human pressures that threaten wild salmon and ensure wild salmon have free access to cold clean water and healthy rivers and oceans – the conditions they need to thrive.
  • Enable action to conserve, protect and restore rivers at a catchment scale and at a pace that is commensurate with the urgency of the crisis.
  • Deliver coordinated action to prioritise evidence gaps in understanding the decline in wild salmon populations.
  • Recognise the vital importance of the leadership of Indigenous Peoples, whose resilience and stewardship hold the key to restoring balance and safeguarding this shared resource.
  • Urgently address the dramatic decline in salmon sea survival rates through actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including warming oceans and shifts in prey species, and manage human pressures that may impact wild salmon
  • Develop and implement effective public and private funding mechanisms (including natural capital markets) that will support urgent efforts to deliver the necessary actions detailed in this Declaration.

Following on from the conference, now is the time to focus on deliverable action that can help to halt the decline in the wild Atlantic Salmon. The Company will continue to support the Missing Salmon Alliance in delivering essential research to better understand the drivers of this decline, providing the evidence base to drive the required action at a political level. The Company’s support for the Riverwoods campaign continues to deliver catchment scale, ecosystem restoration, providing the habitat and cold, clean water essential for the survival of the “king of the fish”.

A journey of learning and exchange to strengthen Chilean small-scale fisheries

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

A group of artisanal fishermen and women from La Polcura, in the Valparaíso region of Chile, have embarked on a unique adventure on the coasts of Caleta Chañaral de Aceituno, in the Atacama Region thanks to support from the Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust’s Ocean Conservation Programme.

The objective? To explore new forms of productive development through tourism, linked to the incredible initiative they are carrying out with the creation of their own Marine Refuge together with the Capital Azul Foundation.

The experience began with a visit to the Roberto Álvarez museum exhibition hall, where they immersed themselves in the rich local culture of the Chango people and learned about the fascinating history of the construction of rafts from wolf skin. It was fascinating to imagine the skill and ingenuity needed to build a boat from these materials. 

Then, together with local fishermen, they embarked on a circumnavigation of the “Isla Chañaral” Marine Reserve. And what a spectacle awaited them! Whales, sea lions, Humboldt penguins and various birds, a whole symphony of wildlife that left the group amazed.

This trip not only allowed them to discover the natural beauty of the area, but also to learn from the experience of the community of Caleta Chañaral de Aceituno, who have managed to develop a model of sustainable tourism that coexists in harmony with environmental conservation, elements that are often in tension.

The visit to Caleta Chañaral de Aceituno, will undoubtedly be an important milestone on the path of the La Polcura Trade Union towards productive diversification and sustainable development.

Why is it important to diversify production through tourism?

Artisanal fishing is a fundamental activity for the economy and culture of many coastal communities in Chile. This is the case of the La Polcura Union. However, the overexploitation of marine resources and climate change are threats that put their future at risk. In this context, and considering that this group has already created its own conservation space with the Marine Refuge, tourism is presented as a viable alternative to diversify production and generate new sources of income for the local community. 

The La Polcura Marine Refuge: an example of sustainable development

The La Polcura Union, with the support of the Fundación Capital Azul, already has a Marine Refuge in its Management Area (an exclusive area of ​​the union for extraction of benthic resources). By combining conservation zones within its extraction area, the aim is to protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable artisanal fishing.

Thus, the Marine Refuge is not only a conservation space, but can also be a tourist and educational attraction that will allow visitors to discover the natural wealth of the area and learn about the importance of the efforts of the artisanal fishing sector.

A hopeful future for artisanal fishing

The experience of the fishermen and women of La Polcura in Caleta Chañaral de Aceituno is an inspiring example of how productive diversification through tourism could be a key tool, among others, to strengthen artisanal fishing and build a sustainable future for the local community.

Fresh research to focus on the Scottish Shellfish industry

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

On-site environmental shellfish farm monitoring, assessing Blue mussel spat fall, and a deep dive into how social media trends can work for the shellfish industry.

Three grants have been awarded to early career researchers to focus on projects relevant to the Scottish shellfish industry’s priorities.

  • Stirling University PhD student James Fennell is set to lead a collaboration including researchers from The Universities of Exeter and Edinburgh, and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel on ‘Trends in Scottish Blue Mussel Spat Settlement for Aquaculture’. Scottish growers will be directly involved with an in-confidence assessment in the coming months.
  • Drs Kati Michalek and Marja van den Houten from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) will pilot a ‘Coastal Local Observations Connection Hub’ in a project devised with the help of a Durham University collaborator. This project will provide free environmental monitoring equipment to a small number of growers in western Scotland and develop a shared interactive platform that facilitates broad scale modelling and monitoring data sets for the coastal environment.
  • Taking a different angle to support industry needs, a collaboration between researchers from Bangor University, The University of Aberdeen and University College Cork will look at how social media, including TikTok and Instagram, can effectively leverage trends and promote shellfish to different age profile audiences. This will complement existing work being led by Kelly Wright the Scottish Cultivated Shellfish Ambassador.

The projects, arising from collaborations formed at an early career shellfish researcher workshop in Oban last November, have been developed to reflect the priorities identified in a shellfish grower survey conducted by the Roslin Institute, part of the University of Edinburgh, ahead of the workshop.

Early conversations on the Coastal Local Observations Connection Hub started at the November workshop.

This is the first time that this initiative has run, with a total sum awarded across the three projects of £15,000. Given the overwhelming positive response, with the workshop oversubscribed and interest from as far away as Germany and the USA, it is hoped that the exercise will be repeated in 2025 with support from the Research Councils, potentially unlocking more substantial, longer-term funding to continue relevant industry shaped research.

Tim Bean, research group leader at The Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, said: “We are really happy to have been able to deliver this workshop in partnership with the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers and Fishmongers’ Company, and to see these industry-relevant projects come out of this demonstrates just how much potential there is for genuine collaboration between industry and the research community.”

Nick Lake, CEO of the ASSG said “Our growers have a vast practical knowledge of the marine environment upon which we all depend to maintain both wild and cultivated shellfish stocks. Having the academic community engage in discussions and consider our priorities is a real positive development which pairs the researchers’ skills with the expertise and long-term observations of our producer businesses. Devising projects that can generate new knowledge useful for us all is a really great outcome. We know that there will be emerging challenges arising from the impact of climate change on the coastal environment, and developing innovative remedial solutions based on scientific evidence is something the industry excels at. I look forward to assisting all three research projects and bringing the research leads back to our October 2025 meeting in Oban to share results with the industry.”

Eleanor Adamson from the Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust, which funded the initiative, said: “ It is really exciting to see rising academic stars engage so positively with industry priorities, and I hope that the small projects here will spark close ongoing collaboration for the benefit of the seafood sector and marine environment.”

Social media trends will be examined in a project led by Bangor University.

Results of all three projects will be presented in person at this year’s annual ASSG conference on 1st and 2nd October 2025 in Oban, registration opens in early August with full details on the website – www.assg.org.uk

Early conversations on the Coastal Local Observations Connection Hub started at the November workshop.

Social media trends will be examined in a project led by Bangor University.

New survey method reveals Britain’s most vulnerable salmonid in two previously unverified locations in Scotland

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

Freshwater Arctic charr are restricted to cold water lakes and rivers of the northern hemisphere, including in Scotland, and are considered to be the UK’s most vulnerable salmonid due to their dependence isolated cold-water lake habitats, which are rapidly warming outside the tolerance of the species.

Now researchers at University College London and Queen Mary University of London, funded by the Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust and collaborating with the West Sutherland Fisheries Trust and biodiversity monitoring company NatureMetrics, have verified the presence of this hard to catch species using new environmental DNA sampling methodology.

Results of the survey in North West Scotland have revealed that Arctic charr are present in Loch na Mucnaich and Loch na selig, two sites where there had only ever been anecdotal evidence that the fish was present. The study further confirmed presence in locations where the fish was last officially recorded over 60 years ago, including Loch Lon na h-Uamha.

These findings will aid future plans for conservation prioritisation, as the temperatures in European lakes are predicted to rise 3-4 degrees towards the end of this century, pushing cold water fishes such as Scotland’s’ Arctic charr closer to the limits of their thermal ranges.

Dr Joanne Littlefair, who led the work from the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at University College London, said “it has been very satisfying to contribute to conservation issues around Britain’s spectacular freshwater fishes while training the next generation of budding scientists in conservation focused research and monitoring.”

The project, undertaken by intern Tianna Hewitson, has now been added to the permanent scientific record through a publication in the Journal of Fish Biology.  

Electric Fishing Vessel Roadshow

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

Hans Unkles, who fitted out and skippers the country’s first electric fishing vessel, which he operates out of the small West Highland port of Tayvallich, has received support from Company’s Fisheries Charitable trust that will allow him to share his experiences with working fishermen around the UK coastline.

Hans is able to operate the vessel powered entirely by the solar panels on the boat for much of the lobster season, reverting to charging with shore power when he switches to prawn creeling in the winter months.

As the first vessel of its kind in the UK, the project generated a huge amount of work for Hans when dealing with funders, suppliers and in particular the MCA, which had little previous experience with electric fishing boars and, in Hans’ words, ‘often didn’t quite know how to deal with queries I had’.

Hans has several dates and venues agreed, but is available to add presentations, and is more than happy to be contacted by fishermen or associations wanting him to visit their port.

“The Fishmongers’ Company is keen to support the future of the UK inshore fleet by presenting this concept to fishermen throughout the UK and beyond as a viable way to help support the fishing industry’s decarbonisation journey and promote seafood as the premium low-impact source of animal protein,” he said.

“To help do this, it is sponsoring me to travel to different fishing ports throughout the UK to discuss my hands-on experience of working this boat, covering both its successes and limitations. The evening is aimed solely at those at the sharp end of the fishing industry. It will see a short intro followed by an information film and a chance for discussion and questions, then the documentary about the making of the boat, covering funding and the MCA, and then finishing with a Q&A session – total time about two hours. The emphasis will be on the real-world practicalities and the capabilities of this boat.”

Gavin O’Donnell, Charities Communications Manager at The Fishmongers’ Company, explained: “The Fishmongers’ Company, through its Fisheries Charitable Trust, is committed to supporting a thriving, sustainable fishing industry. We are delighted to support Hans’ work in demonstrating the capabilities of electric vessels, dispelling misconceptions and building support within the industry. Seafood is a sustainable food for the future, and the decarbonisation of the fishing industry is vital in delivering, low-carbon protein for generations to come. We are excited to see the outcomes of Hans’ workshops and to build a community of fishermen interested in taking this vital next step.”

You can learn more about the boat and its technical capacity here.

Tour dates so far

Confirmed dates and ports for Hans’ tour are listed here. If you are interested in attending one of these events – or are in a port not listed here, but would like Hans to set up a presentation – please text/ WhatsApp him on: 07831181185 with your name and port.

  • Eyemouth – 28 January
  • Kyleakin – 31 January
  • Mon 10th Feb 12 noon SCT Training Hub, Newlyn
  • Tues 11th Feb 12 noon, Fishermen’s Rest, Newquay
  • Tues 11th Feb 5 pm, Mevagissey Social Club, Meva
  • Wed 12th Feb 5pm, Fishing College, Lyme Regis
  • Thur 13th Feb 5pm, Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
  • Shetland – 24-25 February
  • Orkney – 27-28 February
  • Wick/Scrabster – 28 February or 1 March

Tackling Entanglement: From the West Coast of Scotland to Western Australia

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

Funding from the Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust enabled the The Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation to visit Western Australia last November, helping to ensure that working fishermen were front and centre at a conference sharing global expertise on mitigating conflicts between fisheries and marine mammals. Here Bally Philp, representative for the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation, writes about his experience.

Bally Philp giving his presentation to conference delegates in Perth on lessons from the recent trials in Scotland using sinking rope

It would be a lie to say I didn’t have any misgivings. Australia seemed like a ridiculously distant place for the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation (SCFF) to be heading off to, just to make some presentations and run a workshop. We could only justify this if there was something substantial happening to account for the time, money and of course carbon footprint. That set the bar pretty high.

Off the back of years of hard work in collaborative approaches to reducing conflicts between fisheries and cetaceans, and previous successful knowledge exchanges, the Scottish Entanglement Alliance (SEA), of which SCFF is a member, secured funding from The Fishmongers’ Company and the Jock Clough Marine Foundation to support SCFF’s attendance at the Society of Marine Mammalogy’s 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Perth, Western Australia last month. Still, it would have to be an impressive workshop, with attendance from all the great and the good working in the world of entanglement reduction, to justify this.

The theme of the conference was ‘Culture and Conservation: Fishing for Change’, focusing on one of the most significant threats to marine mammals –interactions with fisheries. One thousand, six hundred delegates from 80 countries attended, surely constituting one of the largest gatherings ever of expertise in marine mammal and shark bycatch mitigation.

A key message delivered to delegates was the need to involve working fishermen at the very start of efforts to reduce entanglement. Scottish creel fisherman Duncan McAndrew, who fishes his vessel Cordelia KY 70 out of Plockton, emphasised this to the audience in one of a number of remote presentations given by fishermen from different nations.

In a world where top-down legislative approaches have largely been favoured, how many would want to spend a whole day participating in a workshop focused on fisher- led, bottom-up approaches to entanglement mitigation instead? Thankfully, plenty! It became clear very quickly that support for fisher-led approaches was high.

The workshop included presentations on issues surrounding entanglement globally, screening of a short
film about our recent successful sinking groundline trial in the Inner Sound off the west coast of Scotland, and video testimonials from fishermen in Scotland, England, Mexico, South Africa and the US. Those featured are eager to reduce entanglement risk in their fishery but are experiencing similar financial, political an legislative obstacles in doing so.

During break-out sessions, non-fishing participants were asked to assume the role of a fisher and contend with both management interventions and other economic challenges, and to see things from fishers’ perspectives. The most important message of the day was when we pointed out to a room full of people who don’t make a living from fishing: “It’s easy to advocate for management measures when it’s not you and your livelihood that will be affected by them.”

In the coming weeks, we’ll produce and share a full workshop report and series of outputs from our time in Perth. But we did a lot more than just host one workshop (albeit a very productive one). Several of our team made presentations to the conference. Tim Awbery from the Scottish Association for Marine Science, another SEA partner, presented on and won two awards for his work on entanglement risk to minke whales in Scottish waters. I delivered a nerve- wracking presentation on the need for practical, incentivised entanglement solutions, and for support for fishers when management decisions impact
our livelihoods.

SEA partners from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme and colleagues from the Mexico Marine Wildlife Rescue Center, who helped facilitate the fishermen earlier this year also presented and co-hosted an exhibition booth for the duration of the conference.

Was it worth the time, money and effort, and of course that all-important carbon footprint? It’s going to take time to see the full impact that our presence had, and if our message about listening to the experiences of working fishermen will influence decision-makers –but early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We widened our network, promoted the positive work of Scotland’s creel fishermen in this area on a world stage, and advanced the narrative that fishermen must be included and supported in the development of entanglement mitigations.

SEA is clearly doing world-leading work. Our collaborative fisher-led approach got nothing but supportive feedback, and SCFF is proud to be a part of this. We’ve been invited to participate in more knowledge exchanges, and we are becoming more confident by the day that the most successful approach to tackling bycatch and entanglement is to put fishermen at the heart of the decision-making process, and leverage their knowledge and expertise every step of the way.

So what’s next? SEA is planning a series of workshops this winter facilitated by Scotland’s Regional Inshore Fisheries Groups. These aim to update our fishing communities on our progress to date, and gather fishers’ opinions and knowledge to assist in mapping out the next steps for Scotland’s creel fisheries. They will ask creel fishermen how the successful trials with negatively buoyant rope might be implemented in Scottish creel fisheries.

From the perspective of the SCFF, the more creel fishers, the more fishing associations and the more expertise we can get at those meetings, the more likely we will all be to identify and progress the best options. For us, the key is ensuring as much as possible that a focus on securing the livelihoods of fishers is at the heart of these decisions. We’d urge all of Scotland’s creel fishers and fishing associations to keep an eye out for the meetings in your area, and wherever possible to bring your knowledge and expertise to the table.

Master Fishmonger Standard Awards Lunch Celebrates Excellence in the Trade

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

The 2024 recipients of the Master Fishmonger Standard were celebrated at a prestigious luncheon at Fishmongers’ Hall on Monday, November 18, marking a new era for the programme. This distinguished event, hosted by the Fishmongers’ Company, recognised the exceptional skills and dedication of fishmongers across the UK. Eleven outstanding individuals were awarded from across the 5 Master Fishmonger Standard tiers, in a ceremony that highlighted their commitment to the craft, sustainability, and excellence in the seafood industry.

The Master Fishmonger Standard, recognises of the highest levels of skill and professionalism in fishmongering, and is now managed by the Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance (SGHA). SGHA’s stewardship ensures that the award continues to evolve, meeting the demands of a modern and sustainable seafood sector. The move to SGHA’s management reflects the growing influence and commitment to fostering excellence and sustainability within the seafood supply chain.

Eleven Fishmongers Awarded for Excellence

This year, 11 exemplary fishmongers were presented with the Master Fishmonger Standard, recognizing their expertise in sourcing, preparing, and selling seafood to the highest standards. The recipients, selected through rigorous assessments, are leaders in their field and exemplify the qualities that define the Master Fishmonger title: a profound understanding of fish, superior craftsmanship, and dedication to the principles of sustainability.

Four fishmongers, CJ Jackson, Hayden Cutting, Sue Mackenzie and Graham Osborne received their Master Fishmonger certification, whilst Lee Cooper was rewarded with the Companion Fishmonger Award, recognising lifetime achievement in the trade.

“We are thrilled to see the Master Fishmonger Standard flourish under the management of the Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance,” said Julie Waites, Programme Lead for the Master Fishmonger Standard. “This year’s awards ceremony is a testament to the hard work and passion of the fishmongers who received the accolade. Their dedication to the craft and their customers is a beacon of excellence in the seafood industry.”

The Master Fishmonger Standard is not just about technical proficiency but also a commitment to the highest levels of customer service, ethical sourcing, and the promotion of quality seafood. Those awarded the standard are recognised not only for their skill but for their ability to educate and inspire customers about the value of sustainably sourced, fresh seafood, to support a thriving, profitable and sustainable industry for generations to come.

Company support for future seafood leaders and membership take centre stage at Responsible Seafood Summit

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

Showcasing UK seafood talent on the world stage

Over the past two years in partnership with the Seafood Grimsby and Humberside Alliance, the Company has been supporting the seafood processing sector to develop the skills of its future leaders through an industry focused careers programme which has now run in Grimsby and Scotland.

This programme was featured this year’s Responsible Seafood Summit, co-hosted by Seafood Scotland in St Andrews, where the special session ‘Seafood Needs Talent’, showcased training offerings provided to young industry leaders in the UK to a global audience. Lauren Flett from the large Grimsby-based whitefish wholesaler Fastnet spoke about her experiences in the programme, which is supported by the Company’s Fisheries Trust.

Lauren said “I’m thrilled to have participated in the careers programme in Grimsby. The Future Seafood Leaders course was incredibly educational; hearing from experts across every part of the seafood industry opened my eyes to the wide range of career paths available. I’ve been able to bring new insights back to Fastnet and apply them directly to my work. Presenting in front of a global audience at St. Andrews has been truly inspiring, and I’m excited to use my deeper industry knowledge to support our UK operations. This experience has fuelled my passion for the future, sparking an eagerness to keep learning. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and believe that all companies should invest in young talent to help secure the future of the seafood industry”.

Our modern membership shine in industry fora in connection to our namesake trade

The business of seafood is complex and global, and while it’s hard to imagine the similarities between wild capture fisheries in Namibia and Iceland, or prawn farms in the USA and Vietnam, scratch the surface and there is much in common across the world, with sustainably, worker rights, animal welfare, processing, value adding, and marketing all presenting opportunities to share knowledge, collaborate and improve the sector. Members of our Livery are embedded in this global industry, and often feature in media and industry press and events, leading dialogue around the future and sustainability credentials of the seafood sector.

This October, members took centre stage among conference highlights at this year’s Responsible Seafood Summit, co-hosted by Seafood Scotland in St Andrews.

Liveryman Libby Woodhatch detailed her work improving global and local fisheries to achieve sustainability objectives and zero waste. Liveryman Kara Brydson showcased her towards NetZero UK fishing vessels, and Liveryman John Goodlad advised on sustainable ocean investment as part of an interesting panel discussion on the place of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies in the seafood sector.

Also this October, Liveryman and oyster farmer Dr Andy Woolmer and Freeman and Chief Executive of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain David Jarrad could be caught on the West Coast of Scotland embedded in the annual Scottish Shellfish Growers Conference, where David was involved in the serious business of judging the best Scottish oysters and mussels for 2024.

The work of our Fisheries Charitable Trust popped up in many places at both conferences, including in contribution to the new Seafood Carbon Calculator tool, in supporting knowledge exchanges and scientific studies, and fostering education and academic engagement with our namesake trade.

Heroes at Sea Honoured at Fishmongers’ Hall

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

Outstanding acts of bravery at sea and immense dedication by charity volunteers celebrated at the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society’s annual Skill and Gallantry Awards hosted at Fishmongers’ Hall.

Remarkable stories of skill and gallantry at sea, as well as support for local maritime communities, have been recognised and rewarded at the national awards ceremony.

The crew of the Stornoway SAR helicopter, Rescue 948, Lt Daniel Burnett of 847 Naval Air Squadron, and two dedicated volunteers from the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society were among those honoured at the charity’s annual Skill and Gallantry Awards ceremony. Each was celebrated for their significant contributions and exceptional dedication to the maritime community.

A Crew Commendation was awarded to the Stornoway SAR helicopter team, Rescue 948, for their meritorious actions in rescuing two severely injured fishermen from a Spanish fishing vessel. Early on 29th November 2023, the team encountered perilous conditions over 100 miles from Stornoway. Despite the squally weather and heavy seas, the crew’s professionalism and exceptional scene management ensured the survival of both casualties. Their quick, decisive actions, combined with their ability to administer lifesaving first aid whilst overcoming significant language barriers, reflect the highest standards of professionalism and teamwork.

Lieutenant Daniel Burnett received an Individual Commendation for his outstanding airmanship during a critical MEDEVAC mission. On 20th September 2023, Lt Burnett skilfully managed a serious engine malfunction just 30nm into a 100nm flight from HMS Queen Elizabeth to Newcastle Hospital. With three MEDEVAC passengers onboard and a significant risk of catastrophic rotor overspeed, Lt Burnett’s exceptional technical knowledge and composed leadership averted disaster. His remarkable decision-making ensured the safe recovery of the aircraft and the lives of all aboard, exemplifying the finest traditions of the Fleet Air Arm.

Lord Lewin Awards for outstanding service to the charity were also presented to two of the Society’s volunteers. The staff of Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest (QVSR) in Poplar, London, were honoured for their diligent support to seafarers living both within the “Queen Vic” and the local community. Their exceptional commitment and proactive approach in completing grant applications and beneficiary reviews have made a substantial impact.

James Ryeland, Honorary Agent from Dover, was also recognised for his longstanding dedication over 27 years and exceptional fundraising efforts, including managing the Society’s large collecting mine in Dover, overseeing an extensive restoration project, and facilitating the relocation of several mines.

The honours were presented at the Society’s 185th Annual General Meeting held at Fishmongers’ Hall in London on Tuesday 1 October.

Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Captain Justin Osmond RN, commented:

“Our Skill and Gallantry Awards, which we’ve presented for 173 nears, are a testament to the incredible bravery, technical expertise, and steadfast dedication of the maritime community.

“Those being honoured this year have shown remarkable courage, skill and commitment to supporting seafarers in need and these awards are a celebration of their exceptional actions and the profound impact they have on our maritime community.”

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society offers support to those across the UK that are suffering hardship during, or after fulfilling their life at sea. The charity aims to offer support to seafarers, and their dependants, to make a positive difference to their lives. The charity continues to provide help to thousands of individuals each year by offering financial and practical support to those in need, and last year launched an additional support fund to further help seafarers in need affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

New APPG Charts a Strategic Course for Fisheries in Parliament

Posted on by Gavin O'Donnell

The new All Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries, the secretariat of which is funded by the Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust, met for their inaugural meeting at 1 Parliament Street on Tuesday (15 October 2024), to elect officers and map out a cross-party work programme to promote and support a sustainable and thriving UK fishing industry in Parliament.

New members of the Fisheries APPG, joined by Fishmongers’ Company Fisheries Programme Manager Dr Eleanor Adamson

With the Group, which is currently being formalised, comprising 23 Members across both Houses of Parliament, the well-attended meeting heard MPs and Peers discuss key issues and priorities surrounding UK fisheries – from recruitment and the development of offshore renewable energy to upcoming fisheries negotiations, including the fast-approaching 2026 review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

All with strong fishing interests within their constituencies, the Officers elected to the APPG were as follows: Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland as Chair of the Group, alongside Labour’s Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes as Co-Chair, Aberdeenshire North and Moray East MP and SNP spokesperson on Defra, Seamus Logan as Vice-Chair, and Bridlington and The Wolds Conservative MP Charlie Dewhirst as Treasurer.

Recognising the geographically and operationally diverse nature of the UK’s fleets, APPG Members noted the need to ensure representation of the full spectrum of the fishing industry, its various fleet segments and related sectors – from the pelagic, whitefish and inshore fleets to onshore processing, marketing and retail. Several actions were agreed and will be brought forward over the coming months, in support of charting a strategic course for the industry within Parliament.

New members of the APPG on Fisheries from across a range of parties

Following the meeting, APPG Chair Alistair Carmichael said, “I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of the APPG on Fisheries. Over the years the APPG has been a focus for important work in Parliament to support our fishing industry and I intend to build on that momentum in the months and years to come. Between issues surrounding space at sea, the ongoing co-development of Fisheries Management Plans and upcoming negotiations that will shape the future of the UK’s fishing industry and fleets, this is a critical moment for fishing in the UK with both challenges and opportunities. With a new government in place there is a chance to reset the narrative and secure useful policy changes for coastal and island communities. Together the Members of the APPG on Fisheries will work to ensure we are best placed to support this within Parliament.”

APPG Co-Chair Melanie Onn added, “The UK’s fishing industry is diverse, and is crucial to many coastal economies. Supporting livelihoods onshore as well as at sea, the processing industry and associated sectors downstream are a vital piece of this picture. With adequate support, including across each of its related sectors, the UK’s fishing industry holds potential in terms of livelihoods, regeneration, and resilience within coastal communities. More than that, the industry has the potential to play a vital role in supporting the nation’s food security and economy.”