16 September 2013
Charlie Dawson was Chairman and then President of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations from 1988 to 1993.
This was the
period when conflict between the fishing industry and government policy was at
its most intense, as the latter attempted to impose days-at-sea restrictions on
the whole UK fleet, as a cheap way of meeting its EU fleet reduction obligations.
As obdurate policy met vigorous industry resistance, port blockades,
demonstrations and a huge rally and mass lobby of Parliament replaced dialogue
and compromise. It took a referral to the European Court and a change of
ministers before a change of policy direction was won. It was probably the period when the UK fishing
industry was at its most united in the face of a common external threat.
It is a
paradox that Charlie Dawson was on watch during this period of conflict.
Personally charming and with an inbuilt Northumbrian friendliness, he was a
natural ambassador rather than a warrior. But he was also scrupulously fair and
was personally affronted by the Government’s treatment of fishermen across the
UK.
Charlie had
been involved in the establishment of the NFFO in the mid 1970s as it became
increasingly evident that the fishing industry needed to talk with a single
clear voice as the Common Fisheries Policy settled in. As Chairman of the NFFO’s North East
Committee, he always ensured that the North East’s voice was heard and taken
into account in the Federation’s Executive Committee.
Personally persuasive and
a man of transparent integrity, he was a great attribute to NFFO delegations
when they met ministers and senior officials. His sense of humour often defused
difficult situations and helped to find a way forward.
Charlie
continued to fish out of Seahouses on the family boat Providence IV whilst he balanced fishing and political
representative work. Prawns and whitefish were the main target species and the
boat followed the daily pattern of early starts and late landings.
Fishermen
and others associated with the fishing industry from Newlyn to Shetland and
beyond will remember Charlie with great affection as a gentleman. Above all
they will remember his gentle humour.