A new fishermen’s association in Newlyn has been established to give small boat owners a bigger voice in the community.
Named the Newlyn Fisherman’s Forum, the collective has already amassed a membership of around 60 after concerns in the fishing port that smaller boat owners and independent fishermen were not being heard by the Harbour Commission.
The group has now held its first meeting with the commission and so far the dialogue has been “positive,” according to Andrew Pascoe, who sits on the forum’s board.
“In the harbour, we didn’t think we were being heard,” he said.
“We didn’t think the commissioners were listening to our problems a few of them [fishermen] had the idea to set up an association to bridge the gap between individuals and commissioners, to try to sort things out.”
Many fishermen have felt that they are not represented adequately, despite being a part of the harbour’s industry.
There are thoughts that while larger vessels bring in a substantial proportion of the trade, smaller boats, especially together, make a significant contribution.
Nick Howell, a former commissioner and boat owner, has strong views about how the harbour is run financially.
He feels that smaller boats are “often ignored” and that in the past forming a collective voice has proven difficult.
“Trying to get everyone together to find out what would benefit the majority is hard an association is going to help that process,” Mr Howell said.
Fisherman James Pascoe, a founding member of the Newlyn Fisherman’s Forum, noted that the relationship between the group and the commissioners has improved, but feels more can be done.
“Facilities need to improve,” he said. “In the past communication with the commissioners hasn’t been too great, but now we have had some communication.
“We don’t know how much has been taken on board but so far things are positive.
“There are lots of people with the same ideas with some numbers we have more weight behind us.”
Now, there is hope that problems raised by some of Newlyn’s fishermen will be handled better after the conception of the forum and that fishermen will have more of a footing in ongoing discussions around the harbour.
“We are forcing the issue,” said Andrew Pascoe. “They [commissioners] think it’s a good idea things are moving forward.”
Harbour master Andrew Munson confirmed that the group has met with the commission.
He said: “We have had a meeting and hopefully discussions will continue. Their points of view will be heard.”
2013 Local World