nifca news autumn 2024
NIFCA Chief, Mark Southerton, commented on the significance of the event:
“The ICES conference provided an excellent opportunity for Alex and her team to share the work of Northumberland IFCA and our counterparts up and down the country on an international stage. It allowed us to demonstrate how our efforts in Northumberland, from stock assessments to collaborative conservation, contribute to the broader, global conversation on sustainable fisheries management. We need to integrate local expertise and experience with international scientific endeavours. By engaging with the global scientific community, NIFCA not only showcases its initiatives but also learns from the latest developments in marine science, ensuring that Northumberland’s fisheries remain resilient and well- managed for future generations.” One of the features of the conference was the English incarnation of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) ‘Pride in the Seas’ exhibition, which made its way to Gateshead after its initial unveiling in Holyrood earlier in the year. The exhibition tells the stories of individuals from the inshore fishing sector, including several fishers from the NIFCA district, and highlights the dramatic changes the industry has faced over the past decade. The exhibition was made possible through new funding from Newcastle University and showcases the many challenges faced by the industry as it navigates uncertain waters.
Sarah Coulthard, the Newcastle University researcher who spearheaded the project, explained the importance of the exhibition:
“Pride in the Seas invites the public to reflect on our commercial fishing industry, the many contributions our fishing families make to society, and the accumulation of challenges they must navigate in a sector experiencing unprecedented change and uncertainty. The exhibition also seeks to send a message that whilst the scientific community may not always be able to support what fishers want, we are listening and take pride in the work of fishing and the many partnerships we forge in our collective pursuit of sustainable fisheries.” Sarah also emphasised that the exhibition aims to foster dialogue and inspire positive change within the fishing industry, ensuring that the sector can continue to thrive despite its challenges.
21
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online