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Image: Stockfile FIS
Compensation scheme announced to support pollack fishers
UNITED KINGDOM
Friday, April 12, 2024, 06:50 (GMT + 9)
Compensation will provide support for fishers to remain in the industry and diversify
Fishers most impacted by restrictions placed on the catching of pollack (Pollachius pollachius) 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.
There are around 50 vessel owners who rely on pollack for at least 30% of their fishing income. These are mostly small (10-metre and under) inshore vessels using handlines. The by-catch-only advice means they cannot target pollack in 2024, causing some vessels to cease operations and lose all or some of their income.
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).
‘I fully recognise the impact that the by-catch-only advice has had on pollack fishers in the South West and have therefore acted to provide support to those most affected,’ Steve Barclay said.
‘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.’
In June 2023 ICES provided advice that, for pollack in Western waters, the TAC for 2024 should be set at zero for the first time to ensure the long-term sustainability of the stock.
This scheme is stated to be building on recently announced measures to help fishers affected by restrictions to pollack fishing for 2024.
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Source: Research Gate / ICES / Wiki
These are expedited applications for a share of £6 million (USD 2 M) in grant funding available through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, and the opportunity to be paid for participation in a new scientific study to understand more about the stock structure of pollack – as well as selling the pollack that they catch as part of the study.
Source: Gov UK
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