Fathom: getting below the surface of the UK fishing industry.

Fathom host, Paul Trebilcock, has an open and honest conversation with the CEO of Seafish, Marcus Coleman, as we navigate the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and Brexit for the UK seafood industry.

From the impact of the Sea for Yourself marketing campaign to navigating new regulatory regimes and labelling requirements,  Marcus also discussed future plans for Seafish. 

Paul asks some critical questions, highlighting the needs and challenges for the industry as we look into the future, which includes the future of Seafish marine surveys, safety, and Brexit.

Fathom hosts
Paul Trebilcock
Chris Ranford

Fathom guest
Marcus Coleman, CEO of Seafish

Fathom links
Seafish
Sea for Yourself
Direct selling guidance - social media resources, posters and more

Fathom on Twitter 

Fathom hosts, Paul Trebilcock and Chris Ranford, interview Mark Greet and Edward Polley from Falfish, a leading supplier of fish and shellfish, and Sophie Throup from Morrisons, the fourth largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom.

This week's episode takes us behind the scenes of the supply chain and delves into the market trends and forecasts related to the COVID-19 crisis. Mark and Edward explain their relationship with Morrisons and how it meant they could support British fishermen when no one else could. They also offer their guidance on how to ensure we can collectively sustain the supply and demand of British fish beyond Covid-19.

Sophie Throup outlines why Morrisons love to support British farmers and fishermen and explains why they closed their fish counters at the beginning of the crisis. Sophie describes how Morrisons ensure the quality and provenance of fish on their fish counters and that they are currently selling 60% more British fish then they normally would.

Web links:

Falfish

Morrisons

It is uncertain times for everyone right now. There are financial uncertainties, changes in routines and schedules, challenges with social distancing onboard vessels, and so much more.  Fishermen need to know there is support available. 

The GetSeaFit team want you to know that they are open and available to provide support and they encourage all fishermen and their families to reach out if they are suffering from their mental health or fitness. They are providing support over the phone and virtually over Zoom and Skype. 

The GetSeaFit Programme has found a new way to help get fishermen fit and healthy, and help them stay that way. The programme was set up because fishermen find it difficult to make and keep pre-booked health appointments, they can't plan for time off because the weather, tides and fish locations often dictate when they need to be out at sea.

GetSeaFit is a joint initiative, set up between the Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society, with funding from Seafarers UK. In addition to the main partners, GetSeaFit also work with local GPs, opticians, health professionals and charitable organisations.

If you would like any health and wellbeing support during these uncertain times please get in touch with the SeaFit team.  All the contact details can be found below.

In Cornwall?

List of all support during Covid-19 - https://seahospital.org.uk/seafit-programme/

Call Hazel to get healthy lifestyle advice on 07753 460 957 (you can text too) or email: [email protected]

Call Ceri from Fairwinds about mental health support you can reach her on 01736 366 224 or email: [email protected]

Outside Cornwall? 

If you are outside of Cornwall and would like to be connected to a programme near you please call Carol Elliott, SeaFit Project Manager [email protected] or 07486 319621.

Fitness Youtube Channel

https://www.fitnessblender.com/

Managing your alcohol intake app

https://www.drinksmeter.com/

2020 is likely to be one of the most significant years in British fishing. Coronavirus, loss of market, opportunities of a domestic market, direct selling,  new marketing opportunities,  and we haven't even touched on the subject of Brexit. What will be next? 

Chris Ranford and Paul Trebilcock are back with bi-weekly episodes after five weeks of weekly rapid response episodes.  Paul, Chief Executive of the CFPO, takes this opportunity to reflect on the last eight weeks: the highs and the lows,  and most importantly, the upcoming opportunities for British fishermen. 

As ever, he remains optimistic about the future. Stay tuned to hear what will be coming next on Fathom.

This week,  Paul Trebilcock and Chris Ranford take us back to the quayside to speak to Seafood Cornwall's Safety Advisor, Clive Palfrey, to talk about how fishermen can utilise their time in isolation to think about safety on their vessels and get ready for when lockdown is lifted. Clive also reminds all fishermen that the social distance measurement is 'one fathom' and explains why it's important to stick to government advice. 

Paul and Chris also speak to young fisherman, Tom Lambourn, who gives an insight into his ‘customer experience’ dealing with the MMO, MCA and Ship Register remotely whilst the COVID-19 crisis unfolded. Tom managed to get this vessel registered, MFF grant approved and make a start on fishing commercially from his vessel 'My Lass'. 

If you have been enjoying Fathom's weekly episodes and would like to suggest a new theme or guest you would like us to interview, please get in touch. You can email the production crew on [email protected]. 

"The information that everyone wants to know:  how much, how many, and when?"

When Tom McCormack offered an interview with his top MMO team to give us the 'intricate' details of the Fisheries Respond Fund, we couldn't say no.  So, here it is, the second Fathom episode of the week. If you want to listen to our interview on Wednesday with Fisheries Minister, Victoria Prentis, click here.

Tom McCormack returns to Fathom with his Finance Director, Michelle Willis and Operations Director,  Phil Haslam. Tom, Michelle, and Phil discuss the details fishermen want to know:  who is eligible for the fund and how and when fishermen will receive their money.

If you are eligible for the financial support the MMO will contact you and invite you to apply. It is a simple application process.  If you haven't had your invite from the MMO by the beginning of May, and you think you are eligible, you should get in contact with the MMO directly.

For more information on the fund: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fisheries-response-fund-support-for-fishing-and-aquaculture-businesse

This is a landmark episode for Fathom and the fishing industry. Appointed on 14th February 2020, Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis MP was still new to the brief when the Covid-19 outbreak hit the UK, wreaking havoc with fishing supply chains and threatening fishing businesses. Last week, her Department announced a £10 million bespoke support package for the fishing industry - recognising many fishermen were falling through the gaps of the general, national grant and loan schemes announced by the Chancellor in response to the pandemic.

On this, our latest Rapid Response episode, Minister Prentis joins us in a one-of-a-kind interview to talk through that £9 million package. Quizzed by host Paul Trebilcock, she discusses:

• How the support package came about and who it’s open to
• Why the length distinction within the package - why that 24m cut-off for fishing vessels looking to access support for fixed costs?
• What further support Defra are willing to consider as the situation continues to evolve with Covid-19
• Why she’s thrilled to see schemes like #FishToYourDoor keeping fishermen fishing during these troubling times. 

Spoiler alert: the Minister agrees to be a repeat Fathom guest. If you’ve got questions you would like to put to her, please contact us on: @Fathom_Podcast and we’ll do our best to get you answers on air! 

Stay safe and well,

The Fathom Team 

In this week's episode Chris and Paul interview Alison Freeman, Fisheries Programme Manager at The Fishmongers' Company, about their new joint grant scheme set up with Seafarers UK. Alison explains the fund has been set up to keep the industry up and running and buoyant. She promises the application process is not a lengthy process and encourages people to work collaboratively on their project ideas. Apply for the scheme here: http://fishonfriday.org.uk/grants/

Chris and Paul also interview Miles and Natasha from Seafarers' Advice and Information Line (SAIL). SAIL is the Citizens Advice service for anyone who works at sea. SAIL provides free advice on benefits, debt, housing and much more. If you are struggling, please get in touch on their freephone number 0800 170 1842.

Paul and Chris also discuss the new funding package that Defra announced in the early hours on this morning. We'll be getting someone from Defra on next week's episode to speak about this support package so if you have any questions, send them over to us now! Get in touch via Twitter - @Fathom_Podcast. 

This week on the Fathom podcast, Paul Trebilcock and Chris Ranford, interview two guests, sharing the voices of those who are still at sea, catching, landing and selling, and  those working at a national and political level.

Fathom's first guest is Andrew Stevens, a fisherman who has been successfully selling his catch directly to a fishmonger for a number of years.  Andrew discusses his experience with direct selling and offers guidance to those wanting to set up a direct selling business. 

Fathom's second guest is Barrie Deas, Chief Exec of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO).  Barrie explains that support packages have been provided by all of the Devolved Administrations (DAs) for their respective fishing fleets – offering much-needed security for fishermen in Scotland, N. Ireland and Wales. However, England is currently being left behind. Barrie discusses with Paul what the NFFO is doing to make sure fishermen in England are offered a support package and explains how fishermen can also put pressure on their local MPs. 

Links

To see the letter that Paul Trebilcock sent to Secretary of State, George Eustice click here
To see the briefing note from the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) click here. 
 

The Fathom team continue to bring you our rapid-fire Fathom episodes in response to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. This week Paul and Chris interview the Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Tom McCormack CBE. 

In this short 20-minute episode, Paul asks Tom how the MMO will be guiding the industry through this crisis and what support they will be offering. Tom outlines his vision for the next few months and asks fishermen to step forward to let the MMO know what they can do to ensure their customer and stakeholder engagement is meeting the needs of the seafood sector.

If you have questions you would like to put to Tom after listening to the episode, please let us know via Twitter. We'll put your questions directly to Tom when he returns to Fathom in the next few weeks.

Twitter: @TheFathomPodcast 

Links: 

• One-stop-shop guidance for industry support 
• Direct selling guidance 

Stay tuned for more Fathom, dropping weekly during the Covid-19 crisis