17.10.06
Cadgwith ice bins

A group of inshore fishermen at Cadgwith Cove, Cornwall, have been awarded an Objective One Fisheries Grant for over £6,500 to purchase a pool of insulated ice bins. The bins will be used to chill the catch on their fishing vessels, for storage and for transporting the catch to market.

Insulated bins ensure that ice is kept at a very low temperature for a long period of time. By using these bins the fishermen are following the highest possible standards to maintain the quality of their catch. Slush ice stays at a very low temperature and when fish are placed in the slush ice, their core temperature is lowered very quickly.

The ice bins allow a practical method of ensuring the fish is kept chilled throughout its journey from catching, storage and transport to the fish market. Only when they get to market are the fish lifted out of the bins, resulting in a consistently low temperature and a reduction in handling thus leading to a better quality presented for sale.

This project has several benefits as it will enable the fleet to improve catch quality by keeping the fish in optimum conditions, improving presentation and market value.

Nigel Legge, Chairman of the Cadgwith Winch Committee said: "These bins are beneficial for Cadgwith because of the distance to get to the markets. We can now put the ice straight into the bins, enabling the fish to stay in top condition by the time it reaches the market. The catch has less chance of being contaminated on boats and on shore, as it's a sealed, cold and clean container. Every fishing boat is responsible for its own containers and to keep them cleaned and looked after."

Clare Leverton, Objective One Fisheries Programme Manager said: "This group of fishermen provide an excellent example of the benefits of working together on this project. They clearly show how an improvement in the quality of their catch when it reaches market means better prices."

For further information please contact Clare Leverton at the Objective One Fisheries Programme on 01872 270333 or email: clare@swpesca.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Cadgwith Winch Committee through the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) fund.

Editor's notes:

Cornwall's Objective One Fisheries programme will provide over £10 million from April 2001 to December 2006 to the fishing industry in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The funds are a mixture of EU and national funds, through the Financial Instruments for Fisheries Guidance fund (FIFG) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The projects are approved by the Marine Fisheries Agency in partnership with an Objective One Fisheries Priority Management Group, made up of local fishing sector representatives. South West Pesca Ltd helps applicants to develop projects by providing guidance and help on completing application forms and submitting applications.

Up to 40% (35% EU and 5% National) grants are available for the private sector projects and 75% grants for the public sector projects. So far 268 projects have been approved with £7,452,032.25 of funds committed to these projects.

Examples of projects funded by the Objective One Programme:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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