Anthony is going to sea this weekend to learn more about how Brixham trawler fishermen operate.
Anthony will be joining the crew of Waterdance’s Georgina of Ladram, a 35.25m beam-trawler built in 2019 which targets prime southwest fish such as Dover and lemon sole, turbot, brill and monkfish. The crew work a watch pattern of 6 hours on, 6 hours off. After setting off from Brixham Harbour for the fishing grounds in the channel, the vessel fishes continuously throughout the day and night. Nets are hauled in every hour, with the crew sorting, gutting and packing the fish before the next haul comes aboard.
A strong advocate for the fishing industry, Anthony regularly speaks up for our local fishing communities in Westminster and highlights the need to look after our waters and support future growth.
Brixham Fish Market has had an extraordinary summer and with turnover averaging £800k per week, it is likely that the UK’s most valuable fishing port will once again shatter its previous records.
The fishing and aquaculture sectors have faced significant challenges in recent months, but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is listening and offering support. More news is expected soon about the £100 million fisheries fund which will be beneficial to the fishing communities in Brixham, Salcombe and Dartmouth. The first part of the fund has recently been announced, with £24 million of investment available to fishing businesses across the UK to develop technology, trial new gear and support world-class research.
Speaking ahead of his trip, Anthony Mangnall MP said:
‘I’m not one to shy away from an opportunity and am very much looking forward to heading out to sea to learn more about the fishing industry. Having spent two years talking about the work of the Brixham, Dartmouth, Salcombe fishermen, I thought it was about time I witnessed first-hand the hard work that goes into catching our world-class fish.
I was proud to support the Levelling Up Fund bid to see further investment in Brixham’s harbour, which will create more jobs and opportunities for residents and also secure the fishing industry’s place in this historic town. ‘
Chloe North, Manager, Western Fish Producers’ Organisation said:
‘It’s brilliant to be taking Anthony Mangnall MP on an overnight fishing trip aboard a trawler. He is going on the Georgina of Ladram; the first new-build beam-trawler in Brixham in a generation, it is a symbol of confidence and investment in the industry. Anthony has been championing the Levelling Up Fund bid to expand Brixham quay, which is England’s most important fishing port by revenue, so his understanding of the needs of the industry is key. He will experience first-hand the challenges the fishing industry faces every day at sea, including difficulty in recruiting crew, so it will be useful to have an extra pair of hands onboard!’