Press release below from the Fishermen’s Mission:

A first for the charity the Fishermen’s Mission. Something for everyone, every age and every budget. If you’re celebrating a big birthday or anniversary, take all your friends and family on an exclusive boat trip or to a cottage in the Highlands. Love rugby, there’s a rugby ball signed by a Welsh International player. Stuck for the perfect gift, there are handmade crafted items, something for everyone. Accommodation in beautiful places, gifts and delicious goodies from the Orkneys, this is a delight for the eyes. Unique gifts from generous supporters. An online auction of 50 items, is now live and everything must end on Friday 1^st November. Register and bid at www.fishmishauction.org.uk/auction

The charity’s aims of practical welfare and emergency support comes from a small team of full time, part time and volunteers. “Individuals and businesses have given generously and creatively. We’re delighted with the range of gifts and experiences listed on this online auction. The monies are vital as the charity rely on donations. For every £1 donated, 88p is spent on providing the services to fishermen, active, retired, as well as their families,” said Alison Godfrey, Director of Business Development.

Trip for two on the St Aidan, Northumberland

Seafood hamper to the value of £100

For further details contact either: Julian Waring, 07917754349 julianwaring@fishermensmission.org.uk

DEFRA have now released the following notice: 

30 September 2019

“Today, a Defra official signed an agreement with Norwegian government officials that provides continuity to the fishing industry by maintaining the current arrangements on access and fishing opportunities in each other’s waters until the end of the year. It will also include continuing arrangements on technical issues such as control and enforcement. Please see the link to the Press Notice HERE. 

This is part of the wider work we are undertaking to provide certainty to industry after Exit, a similar agreement is expected to be concluded with the Faroe Islands shortly, and we have also recently applied to become members of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission as an independent coastal State when we leave the European Union”.

Seafish are holding a public consultation regarding Responsible Fishing Vessel Standard. Please see their invitation to respond below:

“We are pleased to share that the 60-day Public Consultation for the draft standard criteria of the next iteration of the RFS is now open. The Public Consultation is being undertaken to maintain engagement and enable stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the Draft Standard which, as agreed, will be called the Responsible Fishing Vessel Standard.

The Public Consultation will run for 60 days, concluding on Monday 14 October. Please note that all comments submitted during the consultation period must be made via the official feedback process, using the Public Comment Form, available on the Public Consultation page, and submitted to RFS@seafish.co.uk.

The draft standard has been developed to meet the objectives outlined in the agreed RFVS Terms of Reference, which were established in response to extensive feedback received during the first consultation stage in 2018. Using a robust governance structure, the draft standard criteria have been developed by Technical Working Groups, composed of industry representatives, NGOs, associated standard holders and experts from all sectors of the fishing industry and seafood supply chain- from across the UK and internationally. The criteria also incorporate feedback received from nominated Peer Reviewers and current RFS certificate holders within the UK catching sector.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing the feedback received in due course. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Lara Funk, RFS Coordinator at Seafish, at lara.funk@seafish.co.uk or 07971 310 057″.

Please see the link to Defra’s e-alert regarding the export and import of animals/animal products post Brexit HERE.

There is currently a job opportunity with Northumberland County Council to join as the Senior Wildlife Ranger within the Northumberland Coastal Mitigation Service. Full details HERE .

Please see the poster below from Defra, the MMO and Seafish regarding ” Preparing the UK
seafood sector for Brexit”. The list of all events can be found HERE.