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Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners’ Update – March 2023

Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners’ Update – March 2023

Following the monthly Board Meeting of Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC), here is an update on the latest developments at the Port.

As the early spring fish run increases landings at Newlyn Harbour, NP&HC continues to manage the passage of fish through the Fish Market as efficiently as possible.

The Commissioners are in the final stages of negotiation to renew the relationship with their auctioneers and agents, and when that process has been concluded, further enhancements will be made to its facilities, including the purchase of more fish boxes.

With the North Cornish coast being fished quite heavily at this time of year, NP&HC has recently procured a new grader to handle mackerel and the smaller sizes of other species. It is hoped that this will significantly increase the accuracy of grading not only for those who land fish at the market but also for those who buy it.

As well as continuing to invest in ongoing maintenance programmes and the development of the Port for the benefit of harbour users, NP&HC Chairman, Rob Wing, has secured an agreement from the Commissioners to donate £5k per year for five years to the Fishermen’s Mission to support the charity’s vital work, subject to NP&HC’s future revenues enabling that to happen.

The Fishermen’s Mission is the only fishermen’s charity that provides emergency support alongside practical, financial, spiritual and emotional care, and helps both active and retired fishermen as well as their families.

“When the Belgian trawler, Sylvia-Mary, sank last month after striking rock off Land’s End, the Fishermen’s Mission was swift to pick up her crew and install them in a local hotel when they were still in the early stages of shock, and do an incredible job,” explains Rob Wing.

“At NP&HC, we recognise the diverse backgrounds of those who operate within the fishing industry and, in particular, the international crews from Ghana and other distant countries who are an important part of our Port’s operations. Through this commitment to the Fishermen’s Mission, we would like to try and support those who are thousands of miles away from their native shores with limited facilities as well as local fisherfolk and their families who need help in stormy weather,” he adds.

NP&HC has also welcomed the arrival of new Deputy Harbour Master, Alan Hartwell, this month. He joins Newlyn from the Isles of Scilly and will be working alongside Deputy Harbour Master, Jedna Hall, as part of the Port’s Management Team.