EAST ANGLIA F-REP LAYS THE GROUNDWORK FOR COLLABORATIVE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

East Anglia F-REP lays the groundwork for Collaborative Fisheries Management. Fishing into the Future wraps up its final F-REP of the winter season, uniting key UK fisheries players in East Anglia.

Fishing Into the Future (FITF) has successfully concluded its latest Fisheries Resource Education Programme (F-REP) of this winter season with a three-day residential event near Norwich. The programme brought together over 40 fishermen, scientists, policymakers and seafood industry representatives to build understanding, strengthen relationships and support effective fisheries management in the East Anglia region.

East Anglia is home to a range of fisheries, gears and business models that sustain fishing communities and livelihoods across the region. As many of the attendees present represented the local inshore and shellfish fleets, several of the agenda sessions were tailored to reflect the local realities.

The F-REP offered a key moment to focus on the local situation, learn from one another and better connect with fisheries managers and researchers.

Speaking about the significance of the East Anglia F-REP, FITF Executive Director Emma Plotnek said:

“We were approached by fishermen in the region to bring an F-REP to East Anglia, and it quickly became clear there was a strong appetite for people to come together and talk openly about the challenges facing the local industry. Working closely with local fishermen helped us shape an agenda that reflected the realities on the ground and made the time together genuinely useful. Our hope is that the conversations started here will continue beyond these three days and help strengthen relationships between industry, science and managers going forward.”

Nicola Webster of North Norfolk Fishermen’s Association added further:

“We know that things on the East Coast won’t change overnight, but there’s still a lot of hope, and fishermen turned up to the F-REP with an open mind about how the next few days could build better understanding and stronger relationships between us all so we can navigate the future together.”

 The F-REP programme aims to provide participants with the tools, confidence, and networks to engage in effective co-management across the UK. Over three days, attendees heard unique insights from local skippers, industry experts and fisheries managers and scientists on topics ranging from stock assessments to being a good representative.

Ray Lovett, from the Harwich Fisherman’s Association said:

“This F-REP gave us the chance to have a much deeper engagement in management, which is often something missed for us smaller boats. It was important to us to hear how management has a responsibility to both help us with our issues but also create opportunities for us, and being at the F-REP gave us a direct line to share our ideas.”

With a strong focus on the lived reality of local fishermen, the first day kicked off with a session setting the scene, hearing from a panel of local fishermen. Conversations then shifted to explore fisheries and marine science and data collection, including an innovative hands-on activity to better understand stock assessment science, and group discussions exploring a range of collaborative fisheries-science projects.

Day two switched the focus to fisheries management and the practicalities of running a fishing business in the region. Sessions explored how fisheries management overlaps with business and shapes everyday decisions for local skippers. A highlight was a panel discussion where local skippers shared honest insights and experiences of running a business.

The final day centred on taking better ways of working forward, with sessions on economics and seafood markets, and discussions on speaking up and handling high-stakes conversations.

Gwladys Lambert, Scientist at Cefas, said:

“F-REPs are a positive and unique event, and this was no different. The whole agenda is a process to experience. It is grounding and helps all involved reframe our mindsets on where and how to put the effort in to support progress for industry, science and management.”

While another F-REP season has come to an end, Fishing into the Future’s core work continues. Founded and led by fishermen, the charity is dedicated to promoting the inclusion of industry voices in science and decision-making.

For updates on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, visit the Fishing Porthole: https://www.fishingporthole.co.uk/

Image: FITF