The Fishing Daily Podcast

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 22

In this episode of the Fishing Daily Podcast, host Oliver McBride interviews Linda Wood, the aquaculture and fisheries manager at Marks and Spencer. Linda discusses her role, emphasizing the importance of responsible sourcing in global seafood procurement. She highlights the multifaceted approach Marks and Spencer takes, considering aspects such as fish stocks, gear types, human rights, and carbon footprint.

The conversation delves into Linda's recent attendance at the Catch Welfare Platform conference in Bergen, where industry stakeholders discussed animal welfare in seafood. Linda shares insights into the challenges and innovations surrounding decapod welfare, specifically focusing on langoustines. She elaborates on the ongoing trials involving electrical stunning to improve nephrop (langoustine) welfare and the potential transformation it could bring to the industry.

Oliver explores Marks and Spencer's commitment to working directly with fishermen, fostering long-term relationships through five-year contracts. Linda explains how this approach ensures security of supply and allows for collaborative problem-solving. The discussion extends to the application of the M&S model in promoting sustainability and humanitarian methods in the broader industry.

The episode concludes with Linda expressing optimism about the future adoption of improved animal welfare practices in the fishing industry, driven by a combination of industry-led initiatives and evolving consumer expectations.

Podcast music used with kind permission of In Their Thousands – Acrasia © 2018 In Their Thousands. Check them out on Spotify

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 21 - Jenny Wolstorf from Fair-Fish and Joao Saraiva from Carefish/Catch talk about data gathering on fish species and how it can help create a better understanding on how fish are affected in the fishing process.

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 20 - Christine Xu, the Animal Welfare in Fisheries Specialist for the Aquatic Life Institute talks about her role and the role of the Institute of improving the end of life circumstances from aquatic animals.

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 19 - Albin Gräns, Researcher gives us a insight into pelagic stunning and what he will be discussing when he takes the podium at the Catch Welfare Platform Conference on Wednesday 22 November at 9.50 (8.50 GMT). Watch the live stream on The Fishing Daily

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 18 Martin de Beer from Provision Seafood Harvesting talks with Oliver McBride about catch welfare and a new model of fishing gear designed and trialed by researchers in New Zealand

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 17

In the latest episode of the Fishing Daily podcast, host Oliver McBride engages in a compelling conversation with Michelle Boonstra, a marine biologist and the Project Manager for the Catch Welfare Platform. The episode delves into the critical aspects of the catch welfare initiative and offers insights into the upcoming Catch Welfare Platform Conference in Bergen from 20-22 November 2023.

Boonstra begins by sharing her background as a marine biologist, specializing in sustainable fisheries in the Caribbean. Her journey led her to work with NGOs and research institutes, focusing on innovation and fisheries collaboration. The idea for the Catch Welfare Platform emerged from her collaboration with fish welfare scientists, aiming to address the challenges faced by the fishing industry.

The podcast unfolds with a discussion about the upcoming conference, structured around key themes such as capture, handling, stunning and killing, and valorisation. Boonstra emphasises the importance of bringing together individuals from various fields, including fishing companies, fishermen, buyers, sellers, and researchers.

The Catch Welfare Platform Conference is designed to encourage open conversations and practical knowledge sharing. Boonstra describes working sessions where participants, grouped by gear types, engage in trade-off identifications. These discussions aim to explore the consequences of assumed improvements in catch welfare and address challenges related to polarisation, traceability, and gear efficiency.

Boonstra expresses her excitement about the diverse participation in the conference, with attendees from the Netherlands, Scandinavia, the UK, Uganda, Vietnam, and Southern Europe. The primary goal is to establish a network that fosters collaboration and practical solutions for catch welfare in the fishing industry.

The podcast concludes with Boonstra highlighting the global reach of the event and the Catch Welfare Platform's commitment to supporting similar initiatives in different countries.

The conference sessions will be streamed online on the Catch Welfare Platform and on The Fishing Daily, allowing a broader audience to access valuable discussions and insights.

The Fishing Daily will also be broadcasting podcasts and interviews from the conference which will be found on its platform over the dates of the 20-22 November.

As the Fishing Daily plans to broadcast podcasts during the conference, Boonstra invites those with questions to reach out, emphasizing the platform's dedication to engaging with fishermen and addressing their concerns. The Catch Welfare Platform is seen not only as a conference but as a catalyst for global collaboration, education, and the practical implementation of catch welfare practices in the fishing industry.

Find out more by listening to our podcast. Like and subscribe. All your support is greatly appreciated. Podcast music used with kind permission of In Their Thousands – Acrasia © 2018 In Their Thousands. Check them out on Spotify

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 16 - In the latest episode of The Fishing Daily podcast series, Oliver McBride, the Editor of The Fishing Daily, is joined by Tom Rossiter, Head of Precision Fishing at Safety Net Technologies and a member of the Catch Welfare Platform. The discussion centres around the Catch Camp and its significance, delving into Rossiter's involvement and the developments in the fishing industry.

McBride raises questions about the future of the Catch Cam in the next 12 months. Rossiter explains that their focus is on getting the technology into the hands of fishermen, aiding in operational efficiency, optimising gear, ensuring sustainability, and educating about the industry.

The discussion takes an interesting turn as Rossiter elaborates on lessons learned through Catch Cam observations. He highlights how certain fishing practices impact the quality of the catch. For instance, he discusses the connection between sediment and the condition of fish, shedding light on the unseen challenges in the underwater environment.

As the conversation progresses, Rossiter previews his role as a keynote speaker at the Catch Welfare Platform Conference in Bergen from 20th to 22nd November. He shares that the key message revolves around the importance of starting with the fishing gear to enhance the overall welfare and quality of the catch.

The podcast explores various instances where Catch Cam revealed unexpected fish behavior, emphasising the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the fishing industry. Rossiter encourages fishermen to engage with the Catch Welfare Platform, stressing the significance of optimising product quality while addressing animal welfare concerns.

The episode concludes with McBride expressing anticipation for further discussions with Rossiter at the Catch Welfare Platform Conference.

To listen to the full podcast episode and gain insights into the latest advancements in the fishing industry, visit The Fishing Daily's YouTube channel or catch the live streaming of the Catch Welfare Platform Conference in Bergen.

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 15 - In this episode of the Fishing Daily podcast, Mike Breen from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research discusses catch welfare and its broader implications for the fishing industry. He explains that catch welfare focuses on reducing the stress experienced by fish during capture, handling, and slaughter, aiming to improve the quality of the final product, reduce wastage, and create a more sustainable industry.Mike highlights the upcoming catch welfare platform conference in Bergen, Norway, from the 20 to 22 November. The conference will feature presentations from both scientists and industry representatives, discussing the current knowledge and potential solutions related to catch welfare. It will also include breakout sessions to facilitate focused discussions on specific fishery or capture method challenges.The conference aims to bring together various stakeholders, including fishermen, producers, processors, and retailers, to work collaboratively on improving catch welfare practices. By minimizing stress in fish and ensuring ethical harvesting, the industry can potentially produce a premium, high-quality product that meets the growing demand for ethically sourced and sustainable seafood.Mike emphasizes that catch welfare represents not only a challenge but also a significant opportunity for the fishing industry to move into the 21st century, create new market opportunities, and secure a more sustainable future. He encourages industry members and all those interested to get involved in the conversation and explore the potential benefits of catch welfare.

Find out more by listening to our podcast. Please like and subscribe to our channel there. All your support is greatly appreciated. Podcast music used with kind permission of In Their Thousands – Acrasia © 2018 In Their Thousands. Check them out on Spotify

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 14 - Aodh O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation speaks to Oliver McBride about the recent controversy surrounding Nordic states looking to gain access to valuable fishing in the Irish EEZ.

Earlier this year, the Irish fishing industry fought hard to keep the European Commission from granting access to the Norwegian fleet to fish for blue whiting in the Irish EEZ. Last week it was revealed that the EU has opened informal talks with Iceland over access to the Irish EEZ to fish Northeast Atlantic mackerel.

The IFPO have been highly critical of Iceland who process mackerel for fishmeal which goes for farmed salmon feed, rather than being used correctly as a valuable food source for human consumption.

Oliver asks Aodh if there have been any developments in the talks, what result does the IFPO believe as acceptable, and if there has been any communication with fishing organisations in other EU member states regarding the EU-Iceland talks.

An issue that was raised at a recent IFPO meeting in Killybegs reflected on the fact that none of the deals the European Commission have made for third country access to the Irish EEZ benefits Ireland or the Irish seafood industry. Oliver asks Aodh if he considers the actions by the European Commission justifiable.

It has been claimed in Nordic circles that the Irish fishing industry has been using Norway as leverage against the EU in order to improve its lot withing the Commission. The Irish industry has also levelled claims of overfishing and the creation of bogus track records the same countries. Oliver asks Aodh if these claims can be substantiated by the Irish?

Norway is claiming zonal attachment over Northeast Atlantic mackerel. Oliver asks Aodh should Ireland be supporting Norway’s claim as the Irish industry itself deems the European Commission’s principle of ‘relative stability’ from the Common Fisheries Policy, a total failure, and is also looking for the principle of zonal attachment to be introduced by the EU.

If you are watching this, please like and subscribe to our channel there. All your support is greatly appreciated.

Podcast music used with kind permission of In Their Thousands – Acrasia © 2018 In Their Thousands. Check them out on Spotify

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 13

Mike Park from the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA) talks with Oliver McBride about the ICES advice on Northern Shelf Cod for 2024 and other aspects of the Scottish whitefish industry.

Despite the Northern Shelf cod stock showing an increase in biomass, the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) has recommended a cut in the total allowable catch in their fishing opportunities advice for 2024.

The Northern Fishing Alliance, Cod Group have proposed that the fishing opportunities should be based on MSY rather than the conservative approach being adopted by ICES. Based on the MSY approach, catches for the sub-stocks should be 21,380 tonnes for the Northwestern cod stock, 8,818 tonnes for the Viking stock, and 3,922 tonnes for the Southern stock, which delivers a total of 34,120 tonnes.

Instead, the recommended catches in 2024 should be no more than 22 691 tonnes, which corresponds to 13,529 tonnes from the northwestern substock, 5240 tonnes from the Viking substock, and 3922 tonnes from the southern substock.

The contrasting positions deliver a difference of 11,429 tonnes, or 33% less than what it should be under the MSY approach, which in monetary terms at £3.50/€4/46 NOK per KG at first sale value convertsto around £40M/€46M/526M NOK.

Oliver asks Mike has there been any feedback from ICES as to their recommendation.

Scottish fishermen have been working closely with ICES marine scientists in gathering data on the Northern Shelf cod only to be told that despite the stock showing an increase in biomass, they will not receive the increase they expected Oliver asks Mike if this relationship has been compromised.

Cod has become a choke species for the Scottish fishing industry in recent years. Fishermen have reported plenty of cod on the grounds but sometimes having to move away from good fishing on haddock etc, a fish they were targeting, due to the number of cod they were bycatch. Oliver asks what the financial implications for fishing vessels are when they have to avoid bycatch like this.

Oliver asks Mike what has 2023 been like, so far, for his members and asks if there has been any advancement of making it easier for Scottish fishing vessels to man boats with overseas workers.

It has been announced that the SWFPA will benefit from the DEFRA Training Infrastructure Fund. Mike explains how and where it will be spent in order to develop a centre of excellence for fishing in northeast Scotland.

Find out more by listening to our podcast. If you are watching it on YouTube, please like and subscribe to our channel there. All your support is greatly appreciated. Podcast music used with kind permission of In Their Thousands – Acrasia © 2018 In Their Thousands. Check them out on Spotify

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 11

In this episode of The Fishing Daily Podcast, Patrick Murphy from the Irish South and West fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFPO) talks about the current state of affairs in the Irish fishing industry including decommissioning, fuel costs, offshore renewable energy and the lack of opportunities for Irish fishermen.

The Brexit Voluntary Permanent Cessation Scheme or Decommissioning Scheme as it is more widely known, was the Irish government’s way of pacifying the European post-Brexit. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was a disaster with Irish fishing with the Commission abandoning the promise of burden sharing, and instead loading the loss of quota to the UK onto the Irish fishing industry claiming that this had to be the policy as Ireland was closest to the UK fish.

A result of the Seafood Sector Task Force set up in 2022 by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, it was decided to decommission 60 of the whitefish fleet in order to leave enough quota for the remaining vessels in the fleet.

 The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) has recommended up to a 31 percent cut in the total allowable catches (TAC) of some important whitefish stocks to Irish fishermen in its advice for fishing opportunities in 2024.

With the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) failing to reach its decommissioning targets by around 20 whitefish vessels, the cuts in the advice for 2024 would make a leaner 2024 for Irish fishermen who have already endured the consequences of Brexit, COVID-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and soaring fuel cost.

Patrick Murphy calls on the Irish government to do more to keep the sector in fishing quota and to seek other fishing opportunities, such as Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, which are being denied to Ireland as it is part of the European Union.

Find out more by listening to our podcast. Please like and subscribe.

In this episode of The Fishing Daily Podcast, CJ Gaffney, former owner of the beam trawler Mary Kate WD-30, talks to Oliver McBride about his struggle to obtain justice and how the ghost of the Mary Kate still haunts him and his family.

A decade and a half of torture hasn’t ended for CJ Gaffney even with his former fishing boat, the Mary Kate WD-30, now lying in New Ross, Co Waterford as scrap metal.

The Mary Kate is a ghost ship that haunts CJ’s past, present and future as his battle for justice against the Irish Government continues.

Speaking on The Fishing Daily Podcast CJ said, “It’s a life sentence.”

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 09

Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) have not gone away. Sheila Keith (Shetland Fishermen’s Association) and Hannah Fennel (Orkney Fisheries Association) talks to Oliver McBride about the impossible consequences that are the result of the Bute House Agreement.

The battle against unfair and unwarranted highly protected marine areas is set to continue after the Scottish Parliament's Summer Recess.

The issue of highly protected marine areas dominated Scottish fishing this year from Spring into the Summer. After unyielding pressure from coastal communities, the Scottish government gave way on those plans, but the issue of Highly Protected Marine Areas has not gone away, and Cabinet Secretary for Net-Zero Mairi McAllan stated this fact in her speech on the 29 June, just as the Parliament was going for summer recess.

The fact is, that under the Bute House Agreement, signed between the Scottish National Party and the Scottish Greens, some form of highly protected marine areas most be implemented, but the Scottish Government’s plans, which have come about because of money rich environmental non-governmental organisations (eNGOs), are not realistic, based on proven scientific work or are beneficial to marine life as the “one-size fits all” approach does not work in every area.

In the Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands, fishermen have been involved in setting-up their own marine conservation plans; initiatives which have resulted in highly sustainable fishing around the islands. There, the fishing sector believes that there are no requirements for highly protected no-take zones, as this would be detrimental to both the financial well-being of fishermen and to the marine environment.

In this podcast I speak with Sheila Keith from the Shetland Fishermen’s Association and Hannah Fennel from the Orkney Fisheries Association (Hannah is also the vice-president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation) talk about how their members and communities feel about government plans and the impact this pressure is putting on coastal communities’ mental health.

Sheila and Hannah explain how their members have been working towards improving marine conservation but feel the government has ignored the sector and the good work of fishermen who work hard to improve conservation.

The podcast also examines the scientific work of the SFA and how unreliable science relied on by eNGOs have propagated myths about bottom-trawling and scallop dredging, making the public believe that the fishing industry is an enemy to the environment.

Find out what Hannah and Sheila believe are the best solutions and outcomes to the highly protected marine areas debate by listening to the podcast on video or on audio on The Fishing Daily website.

Podcast music used with permission of In Their Thousands – Acrasia © In Their Thousands 2018.

The Fishing Daily Podcast Series 3 Episode 08 – Elaine Whyte from the Clyde Fishermen's Association and Duncan MacInnes of the Western Isles Fishermen's Association talks to Oliver McBride about the devastating impacts highly protected marine area (HPMA) plans will have on Scotland's coastal communities. Highly Protected Marine Areas or HPMAs have become a hot topic in Scottish politics as an internal rift arises in the Holyrood government departments.

A surprising number of Scottish National Party (SNP) MSPs have declared that they cannot stand by their party’s agreement with coalition partners, the Scottish Green Party, who want to impose HPMAs on Scotland’s coastal communities. The SNP had made the agreement with the Greens in order to cement the coalition government under the Bute House Agreement, but for some party members including former Fisheries Minister, Fergus Ewing (Inverness and Nairn) and former Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoc) the agreement is a death knell for traditional costal communities that rely on fishing, and they have been vocal about it in parliament.

Oliver asks Elaine and Duncan what makes the proposals for HPMAs so controversial and what is the feared outcome if the Scottish government’s plans go ahead?