Newlyn, Cornwall
The Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO) this week hosted Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed and Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner for high-level talks on the future of the industry.
Accompanied by senior Defra officials, the Marine Management Organisation, and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, the ministers took part in a ‘net to plate’ tour of Newlyn fish market and harbour, showcasing the diversity of the Cornish fleet and fisheries. This was followed by a detailed briefing on marine planning challenges and seafood’s economic value to Cornwall, culminating in a roundtable meeting with CFPO members.
Throughout the tour, the Secretary of State and Minister met with the Cornish fishing and seafood businesses to hear first-hand how developing government policies and international agreements are affecting fishing livelihoods in Cornwall. Both Ministers committed to returning to Cornwall in 12 months to review progress on the issues discussed.
Paul Trebilcock, Chairman of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, said: “It’s positive to see both ministers recognise the challenges we face in terms of where we can fish and what we can land, both of which face the threat of catastrophic erosion if ENGOs and wealthy film makers have their way. Both SoS and Minister clearly committed to working with fishermen, not just talking at us. Their return visit next year is a real sign of intent — and we will hold them to their word.”
Pressure on Fishing Grounds Highlighted
A focused session led by the CFPO and NFFO presented a detailed map of the Celtic Sea and Western Channel, illustrating Crown Estate areas designated for floating offshore wind development, proposed MPAs restricting bottom-towed fishing, netting and potting, alongside existing cable routes and shipping lanes. It was the first time the Secretary of State had seen such a comprehensive view of all current and planned uses of marine space. He acknowledged the challenges this presented for the fishing industry and how best to achieve a balanced approach to marine planning that supports both environmental goals and sustainable fishing.
Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner said:
“Visiting Newlyn again with the Environment Secretary, and hearing directly from fishermen, has been incredibly valuable in understanding the opportunities and challenges facing our fishing communities. The visit reinforces why we must continue to work in genuine partnership with the industry to promote British fish, manage spatial pressures and ensure we fish sustainably so the sector can thrive for generations to come.
“The new £360 million Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund represents a real opportunity for communities to secure investment, as part of the government’s Plan for Change, and I encourage fishermen to engage with us as we develop the fund.”
Commitment to Partnership & Science and Evidence Based Decisions
During the round table with the CFPO members, Ministers emphasised their commitment to working in partnership with the industry and recognised the fishing sector’s vital role in shaping marine management. Both reaffirmed that future decisions on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and broader fisheries management will be based on science and evidence, not assumptions.
Celebrating Cornish Seafood and its role in the new Government food strategy
The visit also included a dinner and breakfast at local restaurants, where the ministers sampled a diverse range of locally caught species, showcasing the quality and variety of Cornish seafood. Sampling fresh sardines, octopus, scallops, spider crab, hake and monkfish certainly celebrates the unique links between seafood, tourism, hospitality that make Cornwall the number one seafood destination in the UK. During the CFPO members roundtable, Ministers stressed seafood’s essential role in national food security, reflecting commitments in the government’s new food strategy that finally recognises fishermen and seafoods role in providing healthy and nutritious protein.
Funding & Strategy Backed
The Ministers highlighted the new £360 million UK-wide fund for fisheries and coastal community growth and supported the Cornish Fishing Strategy as well-prepared and “investment ready.”
Chris Ranford, CEO of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, said:
“It was a very welcomed and timely visit given all challenges and opportunities for the Cornish fishing and seafood sector at present. The passion and knowledge of the Cornish fishing industry is second to none and it was clear how much this was appreciated by the Secretary of State and Minister. We welcome their commitment to working with us on improving science and evidence to make future decisions, as well as supporting the key pillars and overall vision of the Cornish fishing strategy. We look forward to them turning words into action.”
