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On Friday, February 23, the government announced new initiatives aimed at supporting fishermen impacted by the restrictions on pollack fishing for the upcoming year, 2024.
Fishermen operating under-10m hand-and-pole line vessels, many of whom are facing the consequences of the zero Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for pollack, will have accelerated access to a share of £6 million grant funding made available through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.
In addition to the funding, these fishermen will have the chance to earn compensation for their involvement in a scientific study designed to enhance understanding of pollack stock structure. They will also be permitted to sell the pollack harvested during this research.
Recent negotiations with the EU determined that in 2024, pollack can only be harvested as bycatch. This decision aligns with recommendations from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), which advised setting the TAC for pollack to zero.
The government’s strategy for negotiating catch limits emphasizes the latest scientific data while also focusing on economic sustainability and fostering opportunities for the UK fishing fleet, all in line with the goals outlined in the Fisheries Act.
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer stated:
We are acutely aware of the challenges the bycatch-only status of the pollack fishery has posed for many fishermen in the South West. Today’s measures aim to provide crucial support to those who have been most affected.
The grant funding will assist fishermen in diversifying their activities and exploring alternative income sources, while participating in the scientific study will not only offer additional support but also contribute to our understanding of pollack sustainability for the future.
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme
The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) has been relaunched for 2024, providing around £6 million in matched funding for projects that benefit the catching, processing, and aquaculture sectors, in addition to enhancing the marine ecosystem.
Managed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra, the scheme encourages applications from all fishermen. However, those involved in hand-and-pole line fishing of under-10m vessels affected by the zero TAC for pollack will have their applications fast-tracked, reducing the processing time from eight weeks to just four.
This expedited process aims to deliver timely support to those most impacted, helping them diversify and seek new income avenues.
New Scientific Study
Affected fishermen will also have the option to enhance their income by participating in a new scientific project led by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).
This study is open to fishermen across the board and aims to foster collaboration between scientists and fishers to deepen knowledge about pollack stock structure.
Participants will catch pollack as part of the study, receive compensation for their training and participation, and will be allowed to sell the pollack they catch.
Applications and detailed eligibility criteria will be made available as soon as possible.
Long-Term Management
To enhance the long-term management of pollack, the UK plans to work with the EU through the Specialised Committee on Fisheries (SCF) to refine stock assessments.
The government will continue to engage with industry representatives on this matter. Collaborative efforts will also focus on better understanding the recreational fishery, with the potential introduction of limits where appropriate, aimed at alleviating pressure on pollack stocks.
SOURCE
Elena Rossi is a graduate of the University of Hohenheim in Germany, where she earned her degree in Agricultural Economics. Her coursework centered on farm management, agricultural policy, and rural development. Elena is dedicated to enhancing the economic viability of small farms and works as a policy analyst, advising on agricultural economics and food security issues in Europe.
