science & policy

Good, complete science is the foundation for successful fisheries management. At the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO), we are committed to partnering with credible marine science institutions to advance our collective understanding of single and multi-species fish stock assessments, their distributions, the wider marine ecosystem, and sustainable measures.

The CFPO has held strong longstanding relationships with leading organisations . These partnerships enhance research and data collection efforts, benefiting both the fishing industry and the scientific community. By working together, fishermen and scientists can achieve better outcomes for fisheries sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem health.

A notable example of our collaborative work is the Fisheries Science Partnership (FSP). Established in 2003/2004 by the NFFO, Cefas, and Defra, the FSP has improved communication between fishermen and scientists, laying the groundwork for evidence-based fisheries policies.

As a pioneer of the FSP, the CFPO has actively contributed to its success. By opening channels of communication between scientists and the fishing industry, we have supported impactful projects that inform sustainable fisheries management and the conservation of marine resources.

Cornwall Fisheries Science Board (CFSB)

The Cornwall Fisheries Science Board (CFSB) is a pioneering partnership between the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO), scientists, fisheries managers, and other experts, working together to deliver evidence-based, sustainable fisheries management for Cornwall. This will be formulated through science-led advice, research coordination and stakeholder engagement, with the Board acting as a forum for collaboration. Meet the Board members below!

Emily is a marine scientist specialising in fisheries, with particular emphasis on the southwest. She has spent the last 5 years working directly with the fishing industry and hopes the CFSB will become the central focus for fisheries science, alongside partners, in Cornwall. She was previously the Principal Marine Officer for the South West at the MMO.

Emily theobald

CFPO

Barrie Deas was chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations from 1995 to 2023, enthusiastically supported initiatives to dissolve barriers between fisheries scientists and the fishing industry, working at ICES, advisory council, national and regional levels. In 2003 he was heavily involved in the establishment of the Fisheries Science Partnership between Defra, Cefas and the fishing industry.

Barrie deas

Chairman

Dr Jacob Bentley chairs the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Ecosystem Approaches and Methods Steering Group (EAMSG), which supports roughly 600 experts in the development of ecosystem-informed science and advice. He promotes Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) and Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM), championing interdisciplinary and participatory approaches.

Jacob Bentley

ICES

Colin Trundle is a prominent marine scientist who currently serves as the Principal Scientific Officer for the Cornwall Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA). He leads research initiatives such as habitat classification through acoustic signaling and monitoring local species like wrasse. He is also the Interim Chief Fishery Officer for the Isles of Scilly IFCA, overseeing enforcement and scientific operations.

Colin Trundle

Cornwall IFCA

Tom is the Head of Applied Fisheries Research at Cefas. He is responsible for providing scientific and policy advice to government institutes. He is an active member of ICES, was a member of the EU Commission’s Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee on Fisheries (STECF) prior to EU exit and then Strategic Marine Policy Advisor to the UK Secretary of State for the Environment from 2020-22.

thomas catchpole

CEFAS

Dr Aisling Lannin is the Acting Chief Scientist and Head of Scientific Evidence and Evaluation at the MMO. She has 15 years’ experience applying marine and fisheries policy using interdisciplinary science. Aisling’s work applies science to marine decision making in fisheries, conservation, regulation of environmental impacts from development and implementing of a marine planning system.

aisling lannin

MMO

David Carlin leads marine and fisheries science work across Defra, working across policy areas and with the wider marine science community. Dave has worked in marine science for over 30 years and in Government for 25 and much of his science has focussed on interactions between different marine sectors for example the fishing sector, aggregate dredging and renewable energy development.

david carlin

DEFRA

Discover some of the CFPO’s collaborative science projects below, showcasing how science and industry can work hand in hand to support thriving fisheries and healthy oceans.

SCIENCE & POLICY UPDATES

How an ecosystem approach could inform more intelligent management of the perceived decline in the pollack stock

Industrialisation of the seabed. One for all, all forone, or, one to finish another?

Negotiations: Industry concernsmount over real-world quota repercussions