1 July 2015
Brixham fisherman, Steve Parker, has been elected as the Chairman of the NFFO’s South West Committee at the Committee’s latest meeting in Plymouth on 30th June.
He takes over the helm from John
Butterwith who has worked hard and steered the Committee since 2011. Steve is supported by John Balls, Clovelly
fisherman and Chairman of the North Devon Fishermen’s Association who was also
elected as Vice Chairman at the meeting.
Steve who is also very active
on the Federation’s Executive Committee said: “I’ll be working to build upon
John’s legacy for the Committee to deal with the myriad of issues facing the industry
in the South West today. As a non-sector
fisherman myself, I’m keen to see that we get sensible and workable management and
licensing arrangement moving forward for those fishing the quota pools,
particularly given the looming landings obligation affecting demersal fisheries
from next year. Bass is also a key issue
and the application of emergency measures must recognise the need to keep
fishing businesses afloat through this difficult period.”
“We’ll also be looking to engage
and get the right deal for the industry on the management of MPAs and new potential
designations, new marine developments and on new byelaws coming from the region’s
IFCAs,” he said.
The Committee reviewed the policy
developments across a wide range of these areas at the meeting. Productive discussions were also held with invited
guests Alyx Elliott from the NGO World Animal Protection on positive actions on
fishing marine litter, and Libby Ross from the Devon and Severn IFCA on the North
Devon Ray Pilot Project, which is working to improve understanding of the
stocks so that management measures can be better tailored to the local fleet.
The next meeting of the Committee
is tabled for 29th September.