As an Association we represent the interests of the members involved with inshore fishing around the Llyn peninsula in North Wales.
Our ultimate aim aside from representing these interests is marketing their produce whilst being committed to the sustainable development of inshore fisheries.
The Llyn Fishermen's Association was formed in the 1950’s in order that the fishermen, who predominantly worked on their own, could meet other fishermen to discuss problems they had and buy equipment in bulk allowing them to get the products at a lower price.
As the Association grew so did the activity within, with collaborations with such bodies as the Welsh Seafish Industry Training Group to improve health and safety, use of radios and navigation etc. within the group. Working relationships were also developed with fisheries officers and other statutory bodies working within the area.
In October 2004 The Association appointed a Development Officer to establish an administrative and practical tangible support base for the Llyn Fishermen's Association and its members, to utilise European FIFG funding, to enhance, bolster, and improve the long term prospects, markets and sustainability of the Fishing industry in the area.
Since the appointment of the Development officer membership of the Association has grown by 40% and now stands at 90+.
In July 2005 Phase 2 of the project was implemented with the appointment of an administrative assistant to the Association. This appointment has eased the administrative burden of the Development Officer allowing him to concentrate on the ultimate goals of the role which include:
- Pursue further grant aid
- Increasing GDP
- Establishing a brand name and identity
- Giving a focus and goal for Fishermen to ensure perpetuation and succession
- Engendering and highlighting the merits of co-operation and working together and with others
- Strengthen what is very much an artisan industry
- Provide long term solutions for the fishermen in the form of a sustainable and profitable way of life
- Improve handling and husbandry of stocks
- Find and develop new markets
- Assist the Fishermen with the plethora of legislation and regulation that would otherwise be in danger of swamping them
- Contribute to the Welsh Federation of Fishermen’s Association
- Create a website for the Association
THE FUTURE?
There is no doubt that the nature of the industry has changed dramatically over the last decade. Who would have predicted the need for a Development Officer within the industry 20 years ago?
Sustainability has to be at the heart of our plans as an industry – though there is no need for it to be a millstone around our necks. There is no reason why we cannot develop the fishing industry, maintain livelihoods, and extend activities to further benefit fishermen – though fishermen must now take control of their own destiny by recognising that perhaps some practices must be changed. Environmental groups are now a force to be reckoned with, and your role as fishermen and ours as Development Officers is to educate them about the industry. Green matters are mattering more and fishermen must move away from the insular nature that has been the tradition and unite to form a collective voice to be heard.
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