Wednesday 18 September 2013
The Bailiwick Fisheries Management Commission (BFMC) is pleased to launch a scheme to help young people take their first steps into commercial fishing. The scheme allows keen and committed young people to have a fishing licence to operate a small boat for up to 3 years as an on the job apprenticeship before investing in a full licence for themselves.
Young fishermen represent a key component towards the sustainable development of the Bailiwick's fishing industry in Alderney, Guernsey and Sark. By providing a licence for a few start-up years, the scheme will help young fishermen learn more about fishing and develop their businesses. To be a successful applicant they will have to show they have a commitment to running their own vessel and that they have a reasonable level of skill and training to get them launched safely.
Dougal Lane from the Guernsey Fisherman's Association said:
"The suggestion of introducing a licence scheme for young fishermen has been discussed for many years, now with the introduction of the 12nm limit this will allow a real and significant opportunity for young people to get into the fishing industry, this will help ensure that the fishing industry has a firm future."
The cost of operating a fishing vessel can involve considerable expense, therefore the Bailiwick Fisheries Management Commission (BFMC) through the States of Guernsey Commerce and Employment Department are able to provide young Bailiwick fishermen with a Bailiwick of Guernsey Fishing Vessel Licence for under 10 metre vessels to fish in the Bailiwick 0-12nm limit only.
This licence will offer the opportunity to establish a fishing business without the immediate need to purchase a fishing vessel licence beforehand, offering a considerable saving to young fishermen. These licences will be issued for a 3 year period only by which time the applicant should know if fishing is a long term career option for them and are able to invest in a larger vessel and licence.
Councillor David Cocksedge from the Sark Chief Pleas Sea Fisheries Committee outlined that:
"The idea of a new entrants scheme has always been a key priority for Sark, Alderney and Guernsey and on behalf of the Bailiwick Fisheries Management Commission I am pleased that we have managed to get this scheme up and running. We already have young people interested in the scheme and are hopeful that the scheme will allow them to pursue a career in fishing."
Deputy Minister for Commerce and Employment Department Deputy Al Brouard said:
"The Commerce and Employment Board have always been very committed towards supporting the fishing industry throughout the Bailiwick" He added that "I am delighted with the introduction of this scheme as this will allow those aspiring to take up a career in fishing a real opportunity to do so. This scheme is unique to the Bailiwick and will give young people a real opportunity to set themselves up in business within the Bailiwick whilst not having to take on the costly financial commitment of purchasing a fishing vessel licence in the first instance."
