Fishers most impacted by restrictions placed on the catching of pollack will be able to take advantage of a new compensation scheme.

The scheme, announced by the Environment Secretary Steve Barclay comes after engagement with industry as to how pollack fishers can be properly supported.

It will see around 50 vessel owners directly compensated for half their income lost due to the bycatch-only pollack fishery. It reflects feedback from industry as to how those fisheries can be supported to diversify and recognises the time that they will need to do so.

Background

In June 2023, the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) provided advice that, for pollack in Western waters, the Total Allowable Catch for 2024 should be set at zero for the first time to ensure the long-term sustainability of the stock. In annual negotiations with the EU, the UK secured a large bycatch TAC for this stock, with around 200 tonnes for the UK.

Around 50 vessel owners rely on pollack for at least 30% of their fishing income. These are mostly small (10-metre and under) inshore vessels using handlines. The bycatch-only advice means they cannot target pollack in 2024, causing some vessels to cease operations and lose all or some of their income.

Compensation scheme

Under the compensation scheme set out by the Secretary of State, those who were reliant on pollack for at least 30% of their 2023 income will receive compensation equal to 50% of the total value of pollack landings they made in 2023 in Western Waters (Area 7). Income will be verified using landings data held by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I fully recognise the impact that the bycatch-only advice has had on pollack fishers in the South West and have therefore acted to provide support to those most affected.

The compensation scheme will support these hardworking fishers and provide them with an opportunity to move away from a reliance on the pollack fishery as we work to further support the recovery of the stock.”

Reacting to the news, Mandy Wolfe, CEO of the Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC said in the The Fishing Daily: “It’s great to see the Minister take this decision. I am grateful for his intervention. I hope the process that follows will be swift, so payments can reach those affected as soon as possible and relieve some of the financial stress.”

The Chief Executive of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO), Chris Ranford, also welcomed the government’s announcement, saying: “It is positive to see the continued government attention on finding solutions to the ongoing challenges as a result of the current restrictions on the pollack fishery. Creating some financial support for part of the fleet will no doubt be welcomed by those eligible for compensation and we await to see the full details of the scheme before offering further thoughts.”, Fishing Daily reported.

Shadow Minister questions

Before the announcement from Steve Barclay, the Shadow Fisheries Minister, Daniel Zeichner MP, wrote to the Minister to ask for urgent support for those affected.  In his letter, published in The Fishing Daily here, Daniel Zeichner raises concerns about a novel approach to data collection via a close-kin DNA study that DEFRA is pursuing versus conventional data gathering.

Further information:

The decision to implement the compensation scheme was taken directly by the Environment Secretary via a ministerial direction.

A copy of the letter to the Minister from Tamara Finkelstein, Permanent Secretary of Defra, regarding the compensation scheme can be read here.

The full news release from Defra can be read here.