Lleyn Fishermens Association ~ What's New

THE ENGLISH INSHORE FLEET-LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:52:00 +0000

This consultation paper is designed to provide a stable foundation for the under 10 metre fleet, enabling as many fishermen as possible to operate viably and legally. Although it is English consultation, it could have an implication for the value of licenses within devolved administrations.
The full document can be viewed online by clicking on the following link:

English%20inshore%20fleet.pdf

THE SHRIMP FISHING NETS ORDER 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:16:00 +0000

This Order regulates the carriage and use of any fishing nets with mesh size between 16 and 31 millimetres, the Order sets out the national provision called for by Article 25 of Council Regulation (EC) NO 850/98 of 30 March 1998, by specifying veil nets and sorting grids as the types of device required to be used. The Order applies to British fishing boats in Wales and prohibits them from carrying or using such nets other than in certain specified circumstances (article 3).
Order Coming into force- 30 July 2008

The full document can be viewed online by clicking on the following link:
The%20Shrimp%20Fishing%20Nets%20%28Wales%29%20Order%202008%20%282%29.pdf

FREE TRAINING COURSES AVAILABLE

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:20:00 +0000

The Association office has received a number of leaflets for free courses available to our members.
These courses include:
1. Free training available for new entrants to the Fishing Industry:
� Basic Sea Survival
� Basic Health and Safety for new entrants
2. Within 3 months of entering the industry
� Basic First Aid
� Basic Fire Fighting
All application for these training courses must be approved by Seafish, so early application is essential Funding is limited. Please apply early.
3. Fishermen with at least 12 months fishing experience
� Bridge Watch Keeping/ Navigation: 2/5 Day (Seafish) Course
� Engine room Watch Keeping/ Engineering: 2 Day (Seafish) Course
� Intermediate Stability Awareness: 1 day (Seafish) Course
� GMDSS Short Range Certificate: 1 day (RYA) Course
All the above suite of courses combine to provide the NEW UNDER 16� metre Skipper�s Ticket

To register to attend any of the above courses, please contact, in the first instance

JP Williamson, Training Manager,
Welsh Seafish Industry Training Association Ltd
PO BOX 20
LLandeilo
SA19 6XD
Tel: 01558 824099
E-Mail: welshsfi@aol.com

MAPPING THE SENSITIVITY OF BENTHIC HABITATS TO FISHING IN WELSH WATERS-DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTOCOL

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:21:00 +0000

The Countryside Concil for Wales is pleased to announce the publication of CCW Policy Research Report No 08/12. An approach to mapping seabed sensitivity was instigate to underpin advice requested from the Countryside Council for Wales by the Welsh Assembly Government. The development of this protocol has involved the input of many interested parties-particulary academics and fisheries managers, to ensure it is sufficiently robust before considering serious application of the results. We are greatful for all contributions to help in the development of this work.

Your views on the report are also sought and should be sent to the Association.

The full document can be viewed online by clicking on the following link:
Liverpool%20%20CCW%20seabed%20sensitivity%20final%20report.pdf of if you want a hard copy just contact us

A PROPOSAL FOR THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF SEA FISHERIES IN WELSH WATERS

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:05:00 +0000

Your views on the consultation are sought and should be sent to the Association or directly to the Welsh Assembly Government (Address above of consultation). In case you sent the comments to the Welsh Assembly could you send us a copy to the Association please.

The full document can be viewed online by clicking on the following link:
Consultation-Future%20Fisheries.docx

NEXT AGM DATE

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:02:00 +0000

The next AGM will be held as usual on Monday 11th February 2008 at the Nanhoron Arms, Nefyn at 19:30.Please make every effort to attend this important meeting.

FIRST FISHERIES STRATEGY FOR WALES PUBLISHED

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:47:00 +0000

Wales's first strategy was launched on Thursday 6 of December by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones.
The Welsh fishing industry brings around �200m into the Welsh economy and supports about 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The draft strategy aims to look at the long �term future of fisheries in Wales, so that the industry can take advantage of opportunities in a sustainable way which does not impact on the environment.
The strategy has identified a number of goals for the fisheries sectors which will service as indicators of the success of the strategy:
� Healthy Fish Stocks-development and management of fisheries at sustainable levels as a part of a healthy and productive ecosystem.
� Positive community role- recognition of fisheries as a positive contribution to the communities in Wales.
� Environment- Fisheries developed and managed in a sustainable way contributing positively to the environmental policies of Wales.
� Partnership Working- to further the partnership working already established between policy makers and those in the industry.
� Economic contribution- Maximising the economic importance and contribution of fisheries to the development of the �Wales� brand on Wales/UK/EU International level.

The Wales Assembly Government intends to publish the responses to this document. Normally, the name and address (or part of the address) of its author are published along with the response, as this gives credibility to the consultation exercise. If you do not wish to be identified as the author of your response, please state this expressly in writing.

Your views on the consultation are sought and should be sent to the Association or to the Fisheries Branch, Environment and Conservation Division of the Welsh Assembly Goverment.

The full document can be viewed online by clicking on the following link:

Fisheries%20strategy.pdf

Members wishing to obtain a full printed copy-please contact the office and we will print it out for you.

Please note that this is the most important document ever published in relation to fishing in Wales

DATES AND NEW NAME FOR THE 2008 FESTIVAL

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:50:00 +0000

Gwyl Fwyd Tir a Mor Llyn
Llyn Land and Seafood Festival

As we have mentioned before we were considering changing the name for next year�s festival and we came to the conclusion that Llyn Land and Seafood Festival was the most appropriate.
The final dates are the 7th and 8th of June 2008. Please note that next year the festival days are Saturday and Sunday.

Essential Reading - CCW Response to the Marine Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:11:00 +0000

If you only read one document this year then it should defiently be this one!

CCW has now published it's response to the Marine Bill.It is vital that you read this document as it outlines the vision of how Welsh Waters will be managed should CCW's policies and ideas be implemented. Of particular note is that CCW wish to be confirmed as the primary marine biodiversity adviser to the Government - and that CCW wish to become the body to bring prosecutions should Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ's) be damamged.

IT IS VITAL THAT YOU READ THIS DOCUMENT

Please click here to read the document.

We also have in the office a much shorter document relating to Highly Protected Marine Reserves. These are defined as areas 'where there is a presumption against human activities, unless it can be demonstrated they will not have a negative impact'.

We strongly suggest that you come into the office and read the document - or contact us and we will provide you with a copy.

Fishing Gear and Flexi-Tubs

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:03:00 +0000

The Association office has recieved a brochure containing all kinds of fishing gear and a new range of 'Flexi-Tubs' - a range of flexible buckets available in four sizes and three vibrant colours ideally suited to carry and tip your catch and bait. The Association has a sample in the office - should any of you wish to see it please just pop in. We can then give you more information on how to order the products.

Fishermen's Workwear and Life Jackets

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:57:00 +0000

A catalogue of new Worwear has been recieved in the Association office which has an extensive range of Jackets, trousers, bibs and lifejackets. Also inluded in the brochure is the 'Secubib'- removable braces and integrated lifejacket for safety.

Any members wishing to recieve a copy of the brochure, please contact the office. Should there be enough interest from members we should be able to negotiate a competitive price on your behalf.

The MFA are about to get tough!

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:08:00 +0000

The Marine Fisheries Agency (MFA) have asked that all fishermen be made aware of possible sanctions to vessel owners where the VCU allocation to their vessel does not correspond to the vessels actual specifications.

Fisheries officials have been patient in giving vessel owners ample opportunity to correct this imbalance - therefore continued disregard for this issue could lead to serious repercussions.

Any member not having accurate information on his fishing licence is recommended to rectify this situation at once.

Excise Duty for Red Diesel

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 10:09:00 +0000

The following information relates to the entitlement and procedures for reclaiming excise duty on 'Red Diesel' fuel used in vessels used to make 'Marine Voyages'.

Vessels which are eligible to claim relief are those used to make a marine voyage - but not private pleasure craft. Included in eligible vessels are all UK fishing boats.

For further details on what is classed as a 'Marine Voyage' and all the information needed to make a claim please click Here to go the HM Revenue & Customs site and find all the information you need. Alternatively contact the office and we will guide you further.

Bilge Level Alarm Report

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:45:00 +0000

In the hope of reducing the number of incidents that occur as a result of faulty or inadequate bilge level alarm systems on board fishing vessels, Seafish Marine Services conducted an investigation into the efficiency of various bilge level alarm systems and technologies. Seven different systems were tested during the project covering a range of technologies used for the detection of high water in the bilge of a fishing vessel.

The project has now ended and a final report has been posted online. We are hoping that this report will allow fishermen to make an informed decision when choosing a bilge alarm system.

The report can be viewed by clicking HERE

Alternatively, for a hard copy please contact the office and we will forward one to you.

Seafish Marine Services and the RNLI have also recently conducted trials on a number of different liferafts and HRU's - the results of these trials will be published in the near future.

Smart Gear Competition 2007 �15,000 Grand Prize!

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 21 May 2007 11:47:00 +0000

International Smart Gear Competition 2007 - call for entries.

�15,000 Grand Prize
TWO �5,000 RUNNER-UP PRIZES
PLUS �2,500 from Seafish for a winning UK entry

WHAT IS YOUR INNOVATIVE IDEA FOR REDUCING BYCATCH?
ENTRY DEADLINE: 31 JULY 2007

WWF and partners created the International Smart Gear Competition to inspire innovative, practical, cost-effective ideas that allow fishermen to fish 'smarter' - to better target their intended catch while reducing bycatch.

The competition is open to all - fishermen, professional gear manufacturers, teachers, students, engineers, scientists and individual inventors.

Click here for entry materials

Consultation on Marine Bill White Paper, A Sea of Change

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:20:00 +0000

The Marine Bill White Paper was published on the 15th March 2007 which puts forward proposals for legislative measures that will help deliver the Government�s vision of a �clean, healthy, safe, productive and diverse oceans and seas�.

Sustainability is the key principle throughout this paper and the main aims are cited as:

� Directing decision-makers and users towards more efficient, sustainable use and protection of our marine resources.
� The change marine licensing regimes.
� To introduce new tools for conservation of marine wildlife.
� Conserving marine ecosystems.
� Setting up a new UK Government Marine Management Organisation to deliver many objectives for the marine area.

This consultation affects the WHOLE of the marine environment, not one species, and therefore affects EVERY ONE OF YOU. It is vital that you relay your thoughts on this paper and this can be done in several ways:
Responses can be sent back to the Development Officer or alternatively via e-mail to marinebillconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk or by post to

Marine Legislation Division, Defra, Area 2E, 3-8 Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2HH.

RESPONSES SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY NO LATER THAN 8 JUNE 2007.

To read the consultation in full please click here.

Ensure the inspectors and your crew have safe access to your vessels!

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:15:00 +0000

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has recently published a guidance note reminding vessel owners and others of the need to ensure that safe means of access are provided to fishing vessels and other small vessels.

The person responsible for the provision of the access (usually the skipper/owner) should, as required by both Merchant Shipping and HSE legislation, carry out a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate safety precautions to mitigate the risk to an acceptable level. Wherever possible, the person responsible for the provision of the access should deal with hazards in a way that removes them completely.

IT IS VITAL THAT YOU READ THIS DOCUMENT AS FAILURE TO COMPLY COULD RESULT IN A VESSEL BEING PREVENTED FROM LEAVING PORT.

Please click here to read the guidance note in full.

Seafish launches 12 week Consultation

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:04:00 +0000

Entitled �Seafish � our proposed three-year plan 2007-2010� a new twelve week consultation, ending on Monday 14 May 2007, was published this week.

During 2006 a full review of the structure and principal functions of Seafish was undertaken, looking at what the UK seafood industry needs over the next decade and how it can be provided in a cost effective way. This led to substantial redundancies within Seafish and the recruitment of staff with specific skills in order to implement the work outlined in the plan.

The plan details the proposed projects to be undertaken by Seafish and also financial details of how the industry levy they receive will be spent.

To view the consultation please click here.
or alternatively contact the office and we will supply you with a hard copy.

REMEMBER we need your comments in order to draft a response that it representative of the Association�s views. Alternatively you can respond directly to Seafish by e-mail at consult@seafish.co.uk .

Share Fishermen's Voluntary Tax Saving Scheme

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 11:33:00 +0000

Does working out your tax give you a headache? Do you dread the tax bill? Don't fear help is at hand!

HM Revenue and Customs has set up a scheme to help fishermen put aside money from each catch so that they can pay their tax and National Insurance on time and automatically when it becomes due.

The scheme aims to simplify your tax bills and gives you access to other benefits including tax credits, and financial services such as loans and mortgages.

Membership of the scheme is voluntary and to sign up fishermen will have to:

� Sign a mandate form which allows HM Revenue and Customs to open a bank account in their name and the boat owner to pay a slice of their earnings into the account.
� Sign a direct debit authority which allows HM Revenue and Customs to take the money from the account in payment of tax and National Insurance.

As part of the scheme, sea going share fishermen can claim a seakit tax allowance, currently �700 tax-free in a year. This covers personal expenses such as bedding, boots, oilskins, protective clothing, gloves, knives and stones.

If anybody is interested in the scheme then please contact the office for further information.

Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:23:00 +0000

As of the 1st February 2007, the following new procedures relating to Maritime Safety Information (MSI) Broadcasts will come into effect:

New weather information will be available every 6 hours and made available through 8 daily broadcast schedules.
New gale warnings, strong wind warnings and navigational warnings will be broadcast on receipt.
Broadcasts will be made in local time throughout the year.

Revised schedule for MSI broadcasts as from 1 February 2007:

Local Time/Broadcast
0150 - New Inshore Forecasts plus previous outlooks, Gale warnings
0450 - Repetition of previous broadcasts plus new Strong Wind warnings
0750 - New Inshore Forecasts and outlooks, Gale Warnings, Shipping Forecast and Navigational Warnings
1050 - Repetition of previous Inshore Forecasts and outlooks, Gale Warnings plus new Strong Wind Warnings
1350 - New Inshore Forecasts plus previous outlooks, Gale warnings
1650 - Repetition of previous broadcasts plus new Strong Wind warnings
1950 - New Inshore Forecasts and outlooks, Gale Warnings, Shipping Forecast and Navigational Warnings
2250 - Repetition of previous Inshore Forecasts and outlooks, Gale Warnings plus new Strong Wind Warnings

Areas Covered:

Shipping forecast Irish Sea
Gale warnings Irish Sea
Inshore forecasts St David's Head to The Great Orme
The Great Orme to the Mull of Galloway
Navigational Warnings St David's Head to the Mull of Galloway

Broadcast aerials and VHF channels used:

Initial announcement will be broadcast on VHF channel 16 using the Great Orme and South Stack aerials. Working frequency broadcasts will be:

Great Orme (For the North of Anglesey) VHF channel 86
South Stack (For the South of Anglesey) VHF channel 23

Further information can be found at : http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-hmcg_rescue/mcga-hmcg-sar/hmcoastt-sar-safety.htm

Rope Grown Mussels Project

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:22:00 +0000

The Welsh Federation of Fishermen's Associations is in the process of initiating a trial of 'Rope-grown mussels' arround the Welsh coast. Ahead of the beginning of the trials, on the 31st January 2007, the Development Officer along with all three other Associations' Officers travelled to Brixham to view a fully functional successful rope grown mussel scheme. A full report on the visit will be published by the officers in due course.

The idea is to set up simple rope growing mussel rigs around the coast of Wales to see where the best conditions are for:

Mussel spat fall (collection)
On growing of mussels (relative shelter needed)

The growth rate of the mussels will be monitored with the future view of creating a mussel rope growing industry pan Wales. The idea is that some areas with good summer spat fall will be able to supply fishermen in other areas with a reliable source of mussel spat to grow, harvest and create income.

This is an exciting project which is very much in the early stages; any of you wishing to get involved should contact the Association office.

Sea Fisheries Committee

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:21:00 +0000

The next meeting of the North West and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee will be held at 10am Friday March 9th 2007 at the County Hall, Mold. Following statements by the minister it is now likely that we are moving towards probably a single body that will oversee the regulation and management of inshore fisheries in Wales. What form that such a body will take and who will run it is presently unclear, but what is important is that we do have our rightful place at the table and that the approach of such a body is seen to be evenhanded, consistent and equitable throughout Wales. We strongly encourage you to attend at least one Committee meeting to find out what it's all about - remember it's your livelihoods they are discussing around the table! The Assembly elections in May could of course mean that all of the above comes to nothing!

Shellfish Act Consultation

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:20:00 +0000

The consultation published in August and September 2006 on amendments to the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967 is now closed and responses are being considered for inclusion in the Marine Bill White Paper. This White Paper will be published in March watch this space for information!

New Consultation launched

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:18:00 +0000

Fisheries 2027- towards a contract for the future of marine fisheries

This consultation paper sets out Defra's vision for the fisheries sector in 20 years' time, and is based on the view that Defra feels that throughout the EU too many fish are being caught. This vision includes such things as in 2027 only environmentally acceptable catching, processing and transporting methods will be used. That fish and fish products (including those not for human consumption) will be bought only from sustainably managed stocks or aquaculture operations.

In terms of your responsibilities as fishermen the document sets out a vision that all commercial fishermen, recreational anglers and fish-farmers will become involved in e.g. contributing to data, using appropriate gear and techniques to reduce the environmental impacts of catching fish, being responsive to fish stock and market changes in effort expended and species targeted... the list goes on.

Remember, this is a consultation - the vision has not yet been agreed.
We strongly urge you to click on the link below to read the consultation then send us your comments as soon as possible. As always the Association will draft a response on your behalf. The only way a true representation of your feelings can be made is if you AIR YOUR VIEWS!

http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/fish-2027/index.htm

AGM

noreply@blogger.com (Llyn Fishermen's Association) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:15:00 +0000

The Association's AGM was held on the 5th February 2007 at the Nanhoron Arms Nefyn. Officers were elected for 2007 for details please contact the office. Guest speakers on the evening included the President Dr Eric Edwards, Mr Martyn Boyce from NWNWSFC, Mr Lockwood from Seafish and the Chief Executive of the WFFA Mr Jeremy Percy. All those who missed the AGM but are keen to hear items discussed should contact the Development Officer.