A new free training programme aims to help UK inshore fisherman learn about sustainable fishing, fisheries science and management.
Fishing into the Future’s ‘Introduction to Sustainable Fishing’ programme is designed for fishermen from inshore fisheries in the south and south west of the UK and will offer up to 30 participants hands-on activities, lectures and debates with leading scientists and managers responsible for much of the regulation of their fisheries.
Alan Steer, chairman of UK charity Fishing into the Future, said: “I've been a fishermen all my life and I'm passionate about the future of my industry. I think it is essential that fishermen have the knowledge and tools they need to communicate with scientists and policy-makers so that we can build trust and understanding in all sectors, leading to much better fisheries management.”
Maximum engagement
An open and informal structure aims to provide opportunities for fishermen to quiz presenters – and, similarly, policy-makers and scientists will be able to learn about the inner-workings of the fishing industry from a front-line perspective.
The event will be held 6-8 March at Dartington Hall in Devon.
Fishing into the Future is developing its Fisheries Resource Education Programme in response to the growing complexity of the fishing industry and its resulting needs.
Introduction to Sustainable Fishing’s ‘sister’ course – the ‘Business of Fishing’ – was run in Scotland in June 2017.
Jim Masters, executive director at the charity, said it planned to run both courses once a year, depending of funding.
