The Welsh Fishermen’s Association-Cymdeithas Pysgotwyr Cymru (WFA-CPC) has moved to formalise its membership of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations. The WFA-CPC’s application for membership has been warmly welcomed into the NFFO, representing fishermen and vessel operators in England and Wales.
‘We have worked very closely with the NFFO over many years, and it seems a logical step to now apply for formal membership to better fight the many issues confronting our members,’ said Jim Evans, Chief Executive of the WFA-CPC.’
‘The spatial squeeze, the future management of shellfish and quota species, and supporting our fleets through turbulent times, all require the hard work of a vigorous professional representative organisation, and we recognise that operating within the NFFO fold will strengthen our arm in these vital areas.”
The WFA-CPC will henceforward have two seats on the NFFO Executive but will retain its individual identity and direct lines of communication with the Welsh Government.
It will participate in all of the NFFO’s policy decisions. Its members will be eligible for grants made through the NFFO Training Trust.
‘We have many individual Welsh members and Jim Evans has been a valued co-opted member of our Executive Committee for many years, but the time has come to strengthen our bond at organisational level, recognising that the Welsh Association will always have a distinctive national identity and role,’ said NFFO Chief Executive Barrie Deas.
‘The contribution made by the Welsh Fisherman’s Association is already immense, not least in the area of fishing vessel safety, training and crew welfare. It makes sense to harness all that energy and goodwill for the broader good.’
‘Given the way we have fought together to ensure a fair deal for fishing in the past and the turbulence that we can see ahead of us for the future, not least to defend access to our fishing grounds, unity and working together is absolutely essential,’ Jim Evans added.
‘That’s why this move at this juncture just makes sense.’
