For us, fishing isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life. Nor is the sea just a workplace, it’s a home from home and a source of sustenance. Many of our independent shellfishermen and women live just a short walk from the shore and a fair few have done for most of our lives. The sea provides us with a livelihood and, in return, we care for it through sustainable fishing and living. Taking only what we need and giving back what we can.
A partner, not a provider
From the most experienced skipper to the newest crewman, every fisherman and woman knows that their relationship with the sea is one of equality, respect and balance. It’s not something our people read in a book. It’s something that seeps into your soul, carried on the sea air that you breathe from launch to landing.
Six steps to sustainable fishing
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Pots provide habitats for many marine animals.
Our pots provide foundations for reefs and temporary habitats for a range of marine animals. As expert chandlers (trap makers) we ensure our equipment is optimised to support sea life.
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Crab and lobster pots reflect the state of the seabed.
Every time you pull a crab or lobster pot in, you get a bulletin on the state of the seabed. From the seaweed and other life on the material to the by-catch in the trap itself, we pay close attention to everything. This can tell us how our precious stretch of coastline is faring at the time, from the food chain to the environment itself.
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Fish and crab waste is fed back to the sea.
Next time you eat salmon, mackerel, cod, haddock or herring, bear in mind you may be sharing your fish with our shellfish. We put offal from the processors who prepare this fish for you in our pots to lure crabs and lobsters. Crab waste is then used to lure whelks. This ensures that more excess fish is recycled, rather than put to waste. The circle of life!
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Shellfish get time to reproduce before being caught.
We carefully allow time for the shellfish to reproduce before being caught. This is done by measuring the length of lobsters’ bodies and the width of crabs’ shells and throwing undersized animals back into the sea.
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Our fishing methods support sea life and minimise harm.
Our members generally fish with pots – a way that causes minimal harm to sea life and even supports the food chain. They do extra things too, like putting a plastic tray in the base of the pots and traps to stop the shellfish’s limbs from slipping through the bottom bars and being damaged. Many also provide an escape gap in the side of the pot to allow undersized animals to get out.
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We work with the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA)
We are improving our sustainability with the help of the North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA). Together with this government agency, we come up with new innovations and ways of working to ensure sustainability and environmental protection.
Summarising our sustainability
Sustainable fishing is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we use these methods and more to protect the area’s sea life, and the environment they live in.
Interested readers can learn more about our sustainable fishing here. Meanwhile, shellfishermen and women can consider joining our ranks on our home page.