After almost twenty years in the hot seat at the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, Paul Trebilcock is stepping down, moving on to a new role in the fishing industry.
‘It’s hard to believe I have been here for nearly 20 years and I am immensely proud of what the CFPO has achieved during that period. It is a fact that the CFPO is one of the strongest and most well-respected fishing organisations in the UK and that is largely down to you as proactive and passionate members,’ he said, preparing to hand over to his successor, Chris Ranford, who has already taken on the development of a new Cornish fishing strategy, hosting a workshop with DEFRA officials in Newlyn.
‘The CFPO was built on the solid foundation of inshore Cornish fishing and has developed over the years as fishing has around Cornwall and beyond into the organisation you are part of today. The CFPO has remained true to its ethos of being a fisherman’s organisation – the view and influence of inshore hand-line members being equal to that of beam trawler owners,’ Paul Trebilcock said, commenting that his time with the CFPO has been challenging, rewarding, educational and there have been plenty of ups and downs.
‘Most of all I want you to know it has been an absolute privilege to have been Chief Executive of the CFPO. I have lived and breathed the CFPO for the last 20 years and hopefully I have made a positive contribution during that time,’ he said.
‘It is clear that the fishing industry is going through a massive period of change, not least with Brexit and COVID dominating in recent years and months. There will be undoubtedly more change and challenges to come as the UK adapts to a new era as an independent coastal state outside of the EU, so perhaps this might be an opportune moment for change for the CFPO in terms of leadership and fresh energy, and I am sure Chris will bring that and more.’
