The Environmentally Responsible Fishing pilot scheme is running in three locations: Hartlepool, Lowestoft and the Thames Estuary, with a total of 31 participating vessels. They are operating under an EC derogation from quota rules for fishing vessels engaging in scientific research (Article 2.2 of Council Regulation No 40/2008).
The pilot scheme is due to finish collecting data in August 2009. It has generated a considerable amount of important data which are being processed and analysed by our project partners CEFAS (Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) and Seafish. Following completion of this process we anticipate a review will be published towards the end of the year.
DEFRA has recently established the Sustainable Access to Inshore Fisheries (SAIF) Project. The project aims to develop a strategy for long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability in the English inshore fishing fleet. There are a wide range of stakeholders involved in the project, including individual fishermen using small vessels, those involved in larger under 10 metre commercial operations and others with an interest in fisheries and community regeneration issues.
An advisory group has been established to support the work of the project, chaired by Alan Riddell, a former Director for the Department for Communities and Local Government. Alan brings considerable experience of leading regional development and community sustainability. These are issues which are inextricably linked to what we are trying to achieve through SAIF—a thriving and sustainable fishing industry in the future.
I am delighted that the following individuals have agreed to sit on the panel:
John Nichols - Fisherman and Member of the New Under Tens Fisherman's Association (NUTFA)
Phil Walsh- NUTFA
Gary Hodgson - Fisherman
Alison Austin - Head of Environmental Affairs, Sainsburys
Cindy Cahill - Deloitte Consulting
Steve Colclough - Environment Agency
Giles Bartlett-World Wildlife Fund
Alan McCulla - Anglo North Irish Fish Producers Association
Stefan Glinski - Fisherman
Tom Pickerell - National Shellfish Association of Great Britain
Tim Dapling - Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee
Hazel Curtis - Chief Economist, Seafish Industry Authority (SEAFISH)
Spike Searle - South West Food and Drink Federation
David Stevens - Fisherman
The first meeting of the group will take place on 16 June. I look forward to working closely with the group and the project's wide range of stakeholders over the coming months.
The Sustainable Access to Inshore Fisheries (SAIF) Project has been established to develop a strategy for long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability in the English inshore fishing fleet. The project has three phases, expected to run over the next 12-18 months:
Phase 1—bringing together existing ongoing research into the economic, environmental and social impacts of the fleet. New research will also be commissioned to fill evidence gaps.
Phase 2—development and appraisal of policy options based upon the findings of commissioned research and input from the advisory group and other stakeholders.
Phase 3—selecting preferred policy options and working closely with delivery partners to refine and implement our policies.
The project is supported by an advisory group which will feed into the policy development process, supporting the Minister and officials over the coming months. The group will consider the evidence base and provide views and perspectives on policy proposals as they develop and evolve, particularly with regard to their practical/delivery dimension. Their knowledge and experience will be key to enabling them to provide innovative ideas to tackle the problems facing the fleet, and inform long-term decisions.
The first meeting of the advisory group will be held on 16 June 2009.