Sea trials of bigger nets have resulted in an impressive reduction in discarded fish. It is informed that for the past 12 months trawlers in the port have been using bigger nets in the Project 50 Percent initiative led by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).
The result was amazing as it led to a 57 percent reduction in the amount of juvenile fish caught. Torbay mayor Nick Bye was among the guests. He hailed sustainable fishing important for the Bay’s economy. He told that fishing is probably the most important part of Brixham’s economy. Anything that ensures the sustainability is to be welcomed.”
Alex Philips, who co-owns a fleet of Brixham trawlers which took part in the trials, pledged to continue to explore new ways to preserve fish stocks.
According to him everyone seems to have managed to co-operate within the industry for one of the few times and got a positive result for all which is great for our future. Brixham town council chairman Chris Bedford hailed the Project 50 percent a ‘wonderful’ initiative. Huw Irranca-Davies, minister for marine and natural environment, recorded a special message for the fishermen. Dr Andy Revill of CEFAS said that discarding fish will undermine the marine eco-system and reduce the biodiversity they need to support sustainable fishing.
