FISHING WITH HOPE

The unmistakable smell of saltwater fills the air as Aiden steers his 25ft fishing vessel towards the vast emptiness of the open ocean. The distinct squawk of European herring gulls amplifies, as a flock shadows the boat’s movement, hoping to scavenge an easy meal. The first light of day breaks over the infinitely shrinking Cornish coastline. Although the winter air is chilling, Aiden is comforted as the golden sunlight beams onto his face. He seeks protection from the elements by wearing vibrant, yellow, waterproof trousers and a puffy, royal purple body warmer. He was raised by a family who have fished for generations before him. To Aiden, this is home.

However, it’s certainly not always plain sailing. Fishing out of St. Ives means that his extensive days are dictated by tidal movements. The Cornish weather is unforgiving and unpredictable, making planning almost impossible. Instead, he capitalises on opportunities to fish as they surface. In parallel, the never-ending fluctuation of fishery laws and regulations means a single misinterpreted rule-change could sink his livelihood forever; a devastating experience for an unfortunate few.

But in recent years, a new threat has come to light. One that not only challenges Aiden’s business but also threatens the very waters he has fished on for much of his life. Marine scientists have repeatedly called for the ceasing of overfishing. Today, 34% of Britain’s fish populations are harvested from the ocean at a far greater rate than they can reproduce. Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, where the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union, countless fishermen have struggled to compete against enormous foreign fishing fleets from France, Spain and Belgium. Being located on the North Coast of the county means this isn’t a challenge Aiden has to face. However, larger fishing vessels from Newlyn are encroaching on inshore waters, using unsustainable amounts of crabbing gear: “Over the last ten years, the potting season would predominantly end during late September. Pots wouldn’t be returned to the sea until the following April. But now, big boats are working thousands of pots twelve months a year”, Aiden explains. He struggles to cope with the consequences, leading to a distinct decline in the number of crabs he is reaping. For the first time in history, the unceasing pressures on the county’s waters have resulted in the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide slashing brown crab from their ‘recommended eating list’.

The solution, however, is far from simple and halting fishing altogether is not a viable option. A recent UN FAO State of World Fisheries report reveals that 10% of the world’s population depends on fishing, at least partially, to sustain their livelihoods. Despite being faced with unrelenting difficulties, Aiden has not yet lost hope. Instead, he presses for change, championing a shift to sustainable fishing practices within the industry to protect the ocean’s biodiversity and the livelihood of those who depend on it.

Aiden’s approach to potting is one of responsibility, consideration and vigilance. By searching for unfished waters, he targets crabs that belong to larger, more resilient populations, ensuring minimal impact on the ecosystem. He avoids revisiting the same location too frequently, giving individuals the opportunity to reproduce and replenish stocks. Every potting location, from the historic to the most recent, is meticulously monitored. With each GPS coordinate recorded on the boat’s computer and jotted down in his dependable, handwritten notebook, Aiden can gauge the health of crab populations.

Potting is hailed in the industry for its remarkable ability to catch with precision, while minimising bycatch. One pot at a time, Aiden carefully selects his catch, ensuring only the finest crabs are taken back to shore. Any crab that falls below the legal size limit is gently returned to the depths of the ocean. He also releases any crabs that are not commercially viable – species that are deemed unprofitable or undesirable, such as spider crabs. But Aiden goes one step further. By feeling the hardness of the shell and observing its colour, Aiden can detect whether water has seeped inside the crab, compromising the quality of the meat. He would be perfectly within his right to sell these crabs. Instead, he discards his potential profit into the ocean to promote further population.

Aiden’s unquestionable commitment to sustainable fishing reflects an infinite respect for the waters he fishes and a drive to protect resources for future generations. By implementing years of knowledge and embracing modern fishing techniques, he aims to set a new standard within the industry. His actions challenge the outdated methods used by a majority, which harm delicate habitats. His work is an important reminder that, as consumers, we should consider where the food on our plate has come from and protect the natural world with everyday decisions that we make.

As the evening sun dips below the horizon, the sky is ablaze with warm hues of red and orange. The calm, flat water reflects the brilliant light, like glass. As Aiden navigates towards dry land, he takes a deep breath and contemplates his restless day at sea. Tackling the global issue of overfishing isn’t easy. Despite being one small piece of a complex puzzle, he is encouraged to know that his actions are helping to reform the state of our oceans.