THE new Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs visited Newlyn to hear first-hand the challenges facing the fishing industry.

The Cornish Fish Producers Organisation welcomed Dame Angela Eagle to ensure the Minister is fully briefed at a critical moment for decisions within the current UK EU negotiations, developing the new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, as well as the expected outcome from the stage three of marine protected area consultation.

The Minister, who was joined by senior DEFRA officials, the Marine Management Organisation and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, took part in a full net to plate tour of Newlyn. An early walk through the fish market showcased the range, volume, and value of Cornish seafood and its importance to national food security.

A stop at fish merchant and processor business Cornwall Fish Direct highlighted opportunities to grow domestic consumption and promote the positive health benefits a seafood diet offers.

Back on the quayside the Minister met skippers across the inshore and offshore fleet, hearing directly about the need for better management of our inshore grounds, and gained insight into the challenges of mixed fisheries in the Celtic Sea.

She also met members of the Young Fishermen Network and signed their campaign buff in support of their new four-point manifesto that focuses on training, mentoring, help to buy and creating fishing opportunities for the next generation.

A final pitstop was made at Harveys Shellfish merchants to discuss the importance of developing and implementing shellfish management, as well as wider issues and opportunities on trade.

The visit concluded with detailed discussions between the Minister, the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations on UK EU end of year negotiations, marine spatial planning and how the industry is contributing highly detailed data sets and technical knowledge of the sea and marine environment to ensure key fishing grounds remain in place.

There were further points made about developing meaningful management within the six-to-12-mile limit, and the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation Cornish Pilot Proposal for the new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.

The Cornish Fish Producers Organisation welcomed the Minister’s clear recognition of Cornwall’s importance as the United Kingdom’s largest number one seafood hotspot, and her commitment to continued joint working.

Cornish Fish Producers Organisation chairman Paul Trebilcock said: “Cornwall is the best place in the country for our political decision makers to build their understanding of the fishing industry. Standing on Newlyn fish market floor or the deck of a working boat cuts through the complexity. The Minister saw first-hand the pride, passion, and professionalism of Cornish fishermen. With major consultations and negotiations surrounding us, this visit could not have come at a more important moment, and we look forward to some more positive outcomes this year and next.”

Minister Eagle said: “It has been invaluable to visit Newlyn’s fish market, auction and quayside this week, and to speak directly with fishermen and seafood businesses about opportunities ahead for Cornwall’s fishing industry. The diversity of fleet, fish and buyers in Newlyn is a real strength, and understanding how we source the fish on our plates is vital to ensuring transparency across the food chain.

“A huge thank you to everyone I met, and to the Cornish Fish Producers' Organisation and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations for hosting the visit. Together, we are working to secure a sustainable future for the sector, support the next generation of fishers, and help revitalise coastal communities across the UK.”

National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations chief executive Mike Cohen added: “NFFO was pleased to join the CFPO in welcoming the Minister to Cornwall. There is no substitute for hearing directly from fishermen about the realities they face at sea and on the quayside. The Minister left with a far clearer understanding of the pressures on the fleet, but also the enormous potential that exists if government and industry work together with clarity and ambition.”

Cornish Fish Producers Organisation CEO Chris Ranford said “This visit was a chance to reinforce the true value of seafood to Cornwall, and it was positive to present the Minister with so many solutions and opportunities. The one fisherman to fifteen seafood supply chain job ratio in Cornwall is exactly why the new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund matters so much, and why backing the Cornish pilot would deliver the greatest return for public investment.

“But to unlock that potential we also need a genuine shift in policy direction that gives the fishing and seafood sector the space to grow. It is now time for action from the Minister and Cornwall is well placed to lead the change.”