This meeting considers the finances of the Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (CIFCA), as well as several important topics for fisheries management. A new byelaw is proposed to restrict the size of vessels fishing for crabs and lobsters and the recreational sea angling strategy is also reviewed.

Crustacean and Molluscan Fisheries (Vessel Specifications) Byelaw 2024

A new byelaw is being proposed to manage crab and lobster fishing effort in the Cornwall IFCA district. The report pack proposes introducing a 12m maximum overall length for vessels fishing with pots for crustacean species, such as edible crab (Cancer pagurus), lobster (Homarus gammarus) and spider crab (Maja spp.). For multi-hull vessels, such as catamarans, the maximum overall length proposed is 10m. The byelaw also prohibits the use of below deck vivier tanks, which keep crustaceans alive in seawater, exceeding two cubic metres in volume. The rationale for these measures is to limit the fishing effort of large vessels, which are capable of working year-round. Smaller vessels with less capability are unable to fish for prolonged periods, particularly during winter, because they lack the capacity for holding large catches and are less seaworthy in poor weather. Traditionally, this has provided a rest period for crustacean stocks. However, vivier vessels can continue fishing throughout the year, intensifying fishing effort. The report pack states that the six vivier vessels that were actively fishing in the district in 2023 represented only 3% of the potting fleet but landed 42% of the edible crab catch and 17% of the lobster catch.

On average one vivier vessel landed 55,715kg of edible crab in 2023 … 22 times more than the average for vessels in the remainder of the fleet (2,509kg …), and over double that of the next most capable vessels in the fleet, the 10 to 12m vessels, where the average annual landing of edible crab was 24,763kg … . This trend was consistent throughout the year in 2023. This byelaw is the first stage of a two-stage approach to crustacean fisheries management in the district. The second stage will explore other options for managing effort, including the introduction of pot limits. A De Minimis Assessment (DMA) has been produced to estimate the impacts of these measures. The DMA states that the costs to businesses will be negligible.

Recreational Sea Angling Strategy update

The report pack contains an update on the CIFCA recreational sea angling (RSA) strategy. The existing strategy was published in 2017 and requires updating. Consultants have been employed to consider how CIFCA could engage more effectively with the RSA sector and improve data collection on sea angling activities. The consultants’ report, Discussion document for consultation on Sea Angling Monitoring and Fishery Assessment for Cornwall , recommends the establishment of an RSA stakeholder working group. This group would assist in developing the strategy, particularly by contributing local knowledge and trialling new methods of data collection. The consultants suggest piloting a new recreational fishery monitoring program for self-reporting by sea anglers.

… a regional approach could yield data with low levels of recall bias from thousands of sea angling daily activities in Cornwall. With self-reported angling activities recorded each year and bias-corrected using angler profiles, the sampling intensity and data access would provide better opportunities for more responsive evidence-based management actions. Species identification and sizes could be verified by uploading photos with measurement rulers so anglers feel that they are making a worthwhile scientific contribution and are engaged in monitoring and research programs. Several other methods are also suggested, including surveys at tackle shops and utilising data from charter boat logbooks and angling club records. For research on the recreational fishery, charter boats are an ideal sampling platform to provide location and gear-specific data on size/age composition, fish abundance and angling success. As stakeholders, skippers have extensive knowledge and a vested commercial interest in the fishery that could provide consistent records of accurate observations over time with their cooperation. The report also includes a proposal to develop a Guide to Sustainable Sea Angling in Cornwall , which would educate anglers about fishery science and the status of fish stocks.

Budget Monitoring Report April 2024 - October 2024

This report provides the CIFCA Committee with a financial update. Overall, there is a favourable variance of £103,043, though some areas are overspent and others are underspent. The Enforcement area has an overspend of £21,213, primarily due to the biennial refit of the patrol vessel Saint Piran. This is offset by a contribution from reserves, a pot of money set aside for specific purposes. The Research area also has an overspend of £63,769. This was caused by the refurbishment of the engines of the survey vessel Tiger Lily. Income is currently £195,410 greater than anticipated, due in part to a grant from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). The report pack proposes a contribution of £45,000 from reserves to assist with refit costs.

CIFCA Revenue Budget 2025/26

This report proposes a budget for CIFCA for the financial year 2025/26. The budget requires a levy, a sum of money requested from Cornwall Council, of £1,552,770. This represents an increase of 7.6% on the 2024/25 levy. The report pack states that this increase has been limited as much as possible to take account of the pressures on Cornwall Council's finances.

IFCA Officers' Report

This report provides an update on enforcement activities. There have been a number of successful prosecutions, cautions and the issuing of financial administrative penalties (FAPs) for offences including fishing without a permit, landing undersized shellfish and illegal netting. Delays to court proceedings remain a problem. The report also summarises the outcomes of the first phase of the national Small-scale Fisheries Workshops, which were held in Poole and Whitby. These workshops focused on the challenges facing the small boat fishing fleet. Fishermen called for greater input into decision-making processes, effective regulation of all sea users, more funding opportunities and support for diversification. There are updates from the patrol vessel skipper, Dan Matthew, and chief engineer, Nick Downing. The patrol vessel Saint Piran and her daughter vessel Lyonesse require replacing. Work is progressing on producing the specifications for both vessels and a working group has been established. The Principal Scientific Officer's report contains an update on scientific work, including research on crustacean and crawfish (Palinurus elephas) populations. Officers have provided training to Marine Biology students from Exeter University and carried out survey work for Natural England and as part of Defra's Marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment. InformationClassification:PUBLIC