Four young fishermen up for award

Peterhead, Scotland-based William Mackenzie; Lerwick, Scotland-based Ross Sutherland; Magheraroarty, Ireland-based Colm O’Brien; and North Devon, England-based Ben Bengey have all been shortlisted.

Marcus Coleman, CEO of Seafish, which sponsors the award, said: “I’m very pleased that Seafish are supporting the Fishing News Young Fisherman of the Year in 2019. Our vision is for a thriving seafood industry and supporting and encouraging the next generation of industry entrants is a great way to help ensure a positive future for UK commercial fishing.”

Demonstrated commitment

This category is designed to reward a fisherman, under 25 years old and based in the UK or Ireland, who has made a clear commitment to their fishing industry. Skills, determination, leadership ability and adaptability to changes in today’s industry are all important qualities highlighted by the Award assessment.

Mr Mackenzie, who works on Lapwing (PD 972), started at sea at the age of 16. Over the next few years, he worked his way up and sat his Class 2 ticket. Now mate/relief skipper on the Peterhead pair-seiner Lapwing, he has learned how to skipper a boat, manoeuvre a vessel when fishing and lead a crew.

Mr Sutherland, who works on Arcturus (LK 59), jumped straight in to the fishing industry in his home town after leaving school. He started two years ago as a yopper and quickly gained a full-time position on the Whalsay whitefish trawler Arcturus.

Mr O’Brien, who works on Aoibhe Aine (SO 160), is from a fishing family in the small coastal village of Magheraroarty and fished alongside his father until 2018, when he bought his own crab vessel.

Mr Bengey, who works on Shelly (N BD 319), started his training at 15. He has been on the crew of Ilfracombe lifeboat for five years and recently passed out as a navigator. He is now undergoing training as a helmsman and then coxswain.

The Awards ceremony takes place on 16 May 2019 in Aberdeen.