The UK government has announced new measures to help fishermen affected by restrictions to pollack fishing.
During recent fisheries negotiations with the EU, it was decided pollack can only be caught as bycatch in 2024.
Hand-and-pole line fishermen of under-10m vessels, which includes some of those affected by the zero quotas for pollack, will be able to benefit from a fast-tracked share of £6 million in grants available through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.
They will also be able to join a paid scientific study that hopes to uncover more about the stock structure of pollack.
“We fully recognise the impact that the bycatch-only pollack fishery has had on many fishermen in the South West and today’s measures will provide support to those most affected,” said Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer.
“Grant funding will help to support them to diversify and explore other income streams, whilst their participation in a new scientific study will not only provide additional support but help to improve our understanding of the pollack stock as we look to improve its sustainability into the future.”
Fisheries and Seafood Scheme
The Fisheries and Seafood scheme has relaunched for 2024, with around £6 million in match funding available.
Administered by Marine Management Organisation on behalf of Defra, it is open to all, but hand-and-pole line fishermen of under-10m vessels will see their applications fast-tracked, with processing time reduced from eight weeks to four.
New scientific study
Separately, affected fishermen will also have the opportunity to supplement this income through a new study into pollack led by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.
Fishermen will be paid to catch pollack for use in the study and will be able to sell the pollack they have caught. Applications, along with detailed eligibility criteria, will be open as soon as possible.
