Category: Blog

Funding from the Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust has supported ground-breaking research into the effectiveness of LED lights on attracting scallops in inshore fisheries. The results could support the development of a new, low-impact scallop fishery for the UK’s inshore fishing fleets.

In 2019 Dr Rob Enever and his team from Fishtek Marine were tinkering with adding small LED lights to traditional crustacean pots. These lights, they hoped, would attract crabs and lobsters to the pots, without the need to use fish as bait. The lights were simply named ‘PotLights’, and the modified traps were handed over to Newlyn fisherman John Ashworth for trial on fishing grounds off the Cornish coast. Strings shot, they waited….

When they hauled the pots a few days later, they found they had accidentally attracted a rather unexpected reveller: king scallops. A number of scallops were in the pots, alongside the expected species of crustacean.

With over 200 eyes, for some time it’s been no secret that scallops are sensitive to light, but it was previously unknown that they could be attracted to it in this way. Speaking to The Guardian, Ashworth stated that “pretty much every pot (with lights) hauled had scallops in them, and yet every pot without lights had no scallops”. John, skipper of the Three Jays, also revealed that from the 35,000 pots he hauls annually, he would generally not expect to see more than five scallops all year. When he began shooting pots with PotLights, the first haul immediately revealed 15 scallops.

This caused so much excitement that Dr Enever, lead author of the study, “could hardly sleep for a couple of nights”. This had potential to be a worldfirst discovery, but further research was needed. Funding was granted from the Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust, alongside support from the UK Seafood Innovation Fund, which is part of the £100m UK Seafood Fund. Researchers from the University of York and Exeter got on board, as well as more local fishermen and pot makers.

With this additional support, Fishtek Marine began conducting further trials to investigate the phenomenon. The trials were again conducted in Cornish waters, on grounds traditionally potted for crustaceans. Between December 2020 and February 2021, 77 strings were shot, deploying 1,886 pots of several different designs. Some pots included modifications such as ramps and retainers to help scallops enter pots and make leaving them more difficult.

The results? Scallops are party animals!
All treatments with lights were found to retain scallops, and of 518 total scallops recorded, 516 (99.6%) were caught in pots with lights. Modified parlour pots containing PotLights were most effective, with 24 scallops caught in a single pot!

The full results of the research can be found here.

Fittingly, these LED-modified pots are now being referred to as ‘scallop discos’. Not only do these pots particularly attract scallops, they also had no detrimental effect on catches of crab and lobster: scallops were simply being caught alongside them. These exciting findings have introduced the potential for a new, low-impact and low-cost alternative to traditional scallop fishing methods. Currently, scallops are caught primarily using dredges, which, due to their heavy and penetrative design, carry a high impact on the seabed.

The other low-impact alternative currently practised is hand-gathering by divers, but this method can only produce limited quantities. PotLights – small, AA-battery powered LED lights – are an inexpensive, reusable modification for crustacean pots. Further experiments will look to refine pot designs and LED lights to specifically retain attracted scallops, and also investigate the effect of using different light colours.

As of June 2022, Orkney, the Isle of Man and Dartmouth have been identified as further sites to trial PotLights. For now, the research has shown that PotLights work, and could offer a potential to boost inshore fisheries with further development.

This article is adapted from Ain’t No Party Like a Scallop Party – Caitlin Turner, Seafish, Quay Issues, Volume 9 2023

Emma Plotnek, Executive Director at the charity Fishing into the Future, looks back a hugely successful 3 day event, “by fishermen, for fishermen” and funded by the Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust, that is set to be rolled out elsewhere in the UK in 2024.

The Fishing into the Future (FITF) 3-day Fisheries Recourse Education Programme on the south coast, brought together 34 working fishermen and industry representatives with a wide range of those involved in the science and management of British fisheries, including officials from DEFRA and the MMO, and scientists from CEFAS and UK Universities.

The Fisheries Resource Education Programme, or F-Rep, as it is known, aims to break down barriers between people working within industry (connecting fishermen who work along the coast from one another but don’t know each other) and also between fishermen, scientists and managers.

We encourage people to exchange stories and learn from one another, and invite  fishermen to facilitate sessions and be actively  involved in the planning and  delivery of the event.  

FITF is a charity that is dedicated to supporting people involved with the fishing  industry to work effectively together. We believe that co-management – an approach where key groups work together in decision-making – is the best approach to build sustainable fisheries and a prosperous fishing industry. But the success of co-management depends on having the right conditions for everyone to work together. This event was designed to equip working fishermen with the skills, connections and confidence to further (or to jumpstart) their participation in fisheries science and management.

We want to create the best conditions for co-management, collaborative research and industry led science, where industry, science and government are all participants in research and decision making. F-REP was about encouraging and giving the chance for people from the fishing industry who are not  always  able to effectively input into these spaces the opportunity to gain the skills and connections to effectively participate. Equally importantly it is also breaking down barriers for people in science and management to understand and reach the industry.

The agenda itself – tells its own story. Day one concentrated on fisheries science and data collection, with a mix of government and academic scientists such as Professor Mike Kaiser from Heriot-Watt university and Rui Viera from CEFAS giving talks tailored to working fishermen, giving participants an insight into the marine environment and ecosystems of their local environment. This was complemented with examples of industry led science, with, for example, Gary Buchan, skipper of the scalloper Evening Star discussing his involvement over several years of collecting and providing data for use in scallop stock assessments.  

Day two looked at an issue that will occupy a huge amount of the industry’s time and efforts in the next 12 months- Fisheries Management Plans. Whilst consultation on the first round of FMPs concluded this autumn, 2024 will see the process accelerate, with 26 more expected within the year – a hugely ambitious target. The day also looked at how to create, build and strengthen fishing associations, and as importantly, help them deliver their messages on behalf of members. This rolled over into day 3, where social science, anthropology, economics, and marketing were also thrown into the mix.

For myself, highlights were the connections the people in the room made with each other.  Despite working different roles we were able to see each other as fellow humans with good intentions, we share a common goal and an interest in supporting fishing communities, fisheries, and healthy seas. This sometimes meant challenging each other and asking difficult questions – but we are all walking away better connected and with a greater understanding an empathy for each other. Ideally we can now pick up the phone to each other when we have an issue – and try and resolve it together!

The recipe for success of F-REP is using a mix of interactive learning and speaker sessions, the activities in the agenda were a big hit – as people get to practice skills and working together. “We ran an activity where groups designed and carried out stock assessment surveys using bags full of thousands of beans to represent fish stocks! People got their mathematical and analytical brain going to comprehend the complexity of fisheries science.”

We also had a great session where groups were given challenging and common scenarios that reflect the reality of the combined issues that affect fisheries management decisions. Groups had to negotiate and agree proposals for a Fisheries Management plan. Working together as fishermen, scientists and government – however we got people to swap roles, so fishermen played the role of NGOs and Government, and government were simulating the role of fishermen, using humour and getting people comfortable with the process of engaging in an FMP. Even the most sceptical and reserved people got involved and were enjoying playing their role, and everyone came out with a better understanding of the process and each other!

Every time I looked around the room people were engaged, listening, asking questions and following each and every session – very little staring at phones, leaving the room or zoning out. People were really present and keen to participate. The number of fishermen we got committed to be with us was a testament to what we do – considering they were willing to commit 4 days out of their week before they even knew what the weather was doing! Understandably, several guys turned up pretty sceptical, so it’s great to see them walk away enthusiastic and reinvigorated in what the future could hold if this level of engagement and enhanced understanding is maintained. “

F-REP- the start of a process, not the end

The event is not a space to resolve specific issues, but instead get everyone into a better place to walk away from it and work together more effectively. It was highlighted in the wrap up of the event that this process of learning and connecting is not additional to the fisheries management process – but a key component to ensuring the success of co-management. This F-REP event was funded by the Fishmongers Company, the Seafarers Charity and FaSS scheme, and there is a similar event being held on the East Coast, near York, in February 2024, with a greater focus on shellfish species. The goal is to roll out more events through 2024 across the UK.

Full details of the event, and how to apply for one of the funded places, will be made available on the FITF website.

This article is an adaptation of a piece published in the Fishing News

Fishing Associations sit at the heart of local fishing industries and provide fishers with a voice in decisions that affect them. A new toolkit, funded by the Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust provides essential guidance to support fishers interested in establishing an association.

Click here to download the guide.

There are significant benefits in bringing people together to form a representative organisation or association. The reasons for setting up a fishing association should include a broad range of activities that benefit the community at large. Priorities could include improving the value of landed catch, implementing new management measures, collecting data and research, and/or the purchase of gear, technology and infrastructure to improve livelihoods and the sustainability of the sector.

However, setting up an organisation can be a daunting and challenging process. This toolkit is designed for anyone thinking of setting up a fishing group.  Complete with practical guidance, tools and templates, this guide will help you think about the best way to develop a strong fishing association.

Further resources to support fishers in the process can be found on the Fishing into the Future website.

By 30 November this year, all fishermen, regardless of age, will be required to have a medical fitness certificate in order to work at sea. 

The medical certificate will either be a ENG1 or ML5, which are doctor approved medical certificates that shows a fisherman is fit enough to work at sea. A ENG1 is valid for up to 2 years and a ML5 is valid up to five-years (so long as the seafarers’ mental and physical health remains in line with the regulations). Both the certificates may be issued with restrictions attached and if you are over 65-years of age, it is only valid for one year.

We are aware that industry representatives are seeking to have the regulations changed. However, as charities that support people working in fishing, we are concerned about what might happen regarding those who do not get the required certificates by the deadline date. For example, fishermen without a health certificate may find themselves in a situation whereby they are unable to find work or their fishing licence is revoked or their insurance nullified.

We urge all who work at sea on fishing boats to book a medical check  before the deadline date of 30th November. Applying for a medical certificate before the deadline date means fishermen with a pre-existing medical condition that would otherwise not qualify for a certificate, can be considered for what is referred to as ‘grandfather rights’.

Grandfather rights would mean that, where you can do so without significant risk to your own or others’ health and safety, you are allowed to continue to work in your current occupation with a pre-existing medical condition which would otherwise exclude you from working at sea in commercial fishing. For example, grandfather rights may apply to colour blindness. If you do not apply for your medical certificate by 30th November, you may not be eligible for grandfather rights. The rules state that you will then be classed as a new entrant who needs to meet the MSN 1886 medical standards. The medical assessor will then have less flexibility to consider your history of working with any medical condition.

For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions produced by MCA.

Last year the Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust provided a small grant to enable a company to promote their carbon reducing tool to the fishing industry. Ecomotus have developed technology, the EcoPro, which can improve the way an engine burns fuel, enabling vessels to significantly reduce their pollution and fuel consumption. As the EcoPro works at the point of combustion, it also helps to keep the engine oil cleaner and reduces black smoke from the stack and carbon deposits on the engine. The EcoPro can be monitored and remotely adjusted, and it comes with 3-year warranty. The technology is eligible for up to 80% funding under the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, with help available to write the grant application. You can view the film here:

Would you like to help raise vital funds for grassroots nature restoration projects in Devon… AND win an amazing prize from a lovely local business?

We are excited to share that Devon Environment Foundation’s 2023 Silent Auction is now live, taking bids until Thursday 28th September at 10.30pm (BST).

View Auction and Bid Here

Prizes include:

⭐ Dinner, bed & breakfast at Dartmoor’s exquisite Gideigh Park Hotel.

⭐ A stunning sea-life painting by the artist Giles Ward courtesy of the Mayne Gallery, Kingsbridge.

⭐ Super comfortable minimalist shoes for the whole family from Vivobarefoot.

⭐ A marine wildlife safari boat trip for ten people from Sea-Life Conservation Tours.

⭐ Brewery tour and beer tasting for five friends from Salcombe Brewery.

⭐ A year’s supply of sustainable seafood from Rockfish.

…and much more!

See our auction for full details of all the prizes kindly donated by local people and businesses that care deeply about nature in Devon.

Big thanks to all who generously donated prizes to help with DEF’s autumn fundraising, we are hugely grateful for your support!

The Devon Environment Foundation has already funded a wide variety of impactful nature-based solutions, including the kelp restoration programme co-funded by the Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust. You can see all the grants we have awarded to date here.

However, we have many exciting and innovative projects in our pipeline and need to step up our fundraising efforts to get funding where it is needed to make a positive difference to nature.

Can you help us raise more funds for brilliant nature restoration projects in Devon?

DEF specialises in pooling funds from like-minded donors and strategically directing them, quickly, to where they are needed most.

We are advised by a board of leading local nature experts to optimise our funding decisions and make the biggest impact for nature.

Since launching in July 2020, we have supported 50 grassroots projects addressing the climate and nature emergencies in Devon, awarding more than £670,000 of grants.

Supporting the Devon Environment Foundation is a quick and effective way to give back to nature in the place you love!

Bidding ends Thurs 28th Sep, 10.30pm (BST).

View Auction and Bid Here

Join Fishing into the Future and the Fishmongers’ Company at the Future Towns Innovation Hub at the University of Southampton for an Industry-Science mixer on Tuesday 7th November at 6pm. The event presents a chance for people working in the fishing industry and marine science & technology sectors to connect and exchange ideas.

Use this opportunity to share your work, pitch collaborative research ideas, hear insights from people working in the fishing industry and build connections to develop ideas that support the science used in UK fisheries and marine policy.

Click here to apply. Applications close on the 9th October.

Event format

The aim of this event is to share knowledge and build connections between fishermen and people working in the marine research and technology industry – with a focus on developing ideas that support the science used in UK fisheries and marine policy. We will be hosted by the Future Towns Innovation Hub based at the University of Southampton’s Science Park, Chilworth. Fishing into the Future will be joined by a group of 20-30 fishermen and people working within the fishing industry, all with a shared interest in co-management and collaborative research. Using industry facilitators, you will have the opportunity to pitch research ideas and projects, and develop these ideas and gain insights through informal conversations.

This is part of a wider event hosted by Fishing into the Future at Chilworth Manor, the 3-day Fisheries Resource Education Programme – sharing expertise and building connections for fishermen, scientists and fisheries managers to work together effectively.

Why it’s important?

The value of involving industry and using the intimate knowledge and experience of fishermen has historically been side-lined in scientific research and fisheries management, despite industry being most directly affected by management decisions in terms of their economic livelihoods and well-being. The difficulty of bringing industry into the fold has ultimately impacted the sustainability of fisheries and has contributed to data deficient fisheries, poor research capacity and a siloed approach to conducting and developing fisheries science and management.

It is now widely accepted that industry, academia, and government all have unique contributions to fisheries research, and no single group can provide the information required to meet the increasing challenges of fisheries sustainability alone. Research that is collaborative (i.e., involving industry, academia, and government) will help to solve persistent and emerging problems in fisheries; effectively utilising the skillset of stakeholders; and help to build new capacity in fisheries science. Collaborative research also allows stakeholders to disseminate insight to a wider audience so that the science is effectively understood and accepted outside the scientific community.