Pollack fishers to benefit from compensation scheme

Defra said about 50 vessel owners rely on pollack for at least 30% of their fishing income

A compensation scheme has been announced to support pollack fishers in the South West.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said about 50 vessel owners would be directly compensated for half their income loss.

It comes after the pollack catch quota was set to zero in January, a move described as "damaging" by fishers.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said he had "acted to provide support to those most affected".

In 2023 Defra said the quota would be lowered to preserve stocks, following advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.

The rule change means fishers cannot target pollack in 2024, which caused some vessels to cease operations and lose all or some of their income.

'Healthy marine environment'

Under the new compensation scheme, those who were reliant on pollack for at least 30% of their 2023 income will receive compensation equal to 50% of the total value of pollack landings they made in 2023 in "Western Waters (Area 7)".

Defra said income would be verified using landings data held by the Marine Management Organisation.

Mr Barclay said: "I fully recognise the impact that the by-catch only advice has had on pollack fishers in the South West and have therefore acted to provide support to those most affected.

"The compensation scheme will support these hardworking fishers and provide them with an opportunity to move away from a reliance on the pollack fishery as we work to further support the recovery of the stock.

"I am committed to backing the British fishing industry, delivering a healthy marine environment and supporting prosperous coastal communities."

The announcement comes as the government launched £6m of grant funding for fishers through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.

Defra has said pollack fishers would be able to benefit from fast-tracked applications for a share of the funding, which is available to projects supporting the development of the catching, processing and aquaculture sectors, and those enhancing the marine environment.