The Duchy Fish Quota Company was established in 2001 by members of the fishing industry who were extremely concerned at the trade in fish quota and the impact this is having on the Cornish fishing industry. When boats are decommissioned due to the owner retiring or wanting to leave the industry, the fish quota from the vessel becomes a tradable commodity. Through Government mismanagement this free trade in quota has allowed £4 million worth of fish quota to be sold from the county in the past 5 years alone. If this is to continue it will become increasingly difficult for young fishermen to enter the industry and there will also be severe consequences for the existing fishing industry in Cornwall.

There is an urgent need to protect fish quota from being sold outside the county and the country. Britain and Holland are the only countries to practise trading fish quota – we feel it is wrong that fish quota can be separated from the communities for which they were intended. If it goes unchecked, Cornish fishermen and their boats will struggle to fish the surrounding waters and land the extensive variety of fish which live and breed there.

We need to protect the livelihoods of future generations of fishermen – without them, Cornwall, as a county will alter unrecognisably. Today there are only 4,000 people employed in the fishing industry, at sea and ashore, a vast decline from a decade ago.

The Cornish fishing industry is an integral part of the county’s historical, economic and social structure. With the closure of all the tin mines we must protect the Cornish fishing industry.

The fishing industry in Cornwall is very visible – visitors come to see the picturesque fishing ports and watch the boats come in and lying alongside the quays. It is the springboard for many local businesses in the county including leisure and tourist attractions, accommodation and the food industry.

Young fishermen are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the industry due to the high cost of fish quota needed. Every fishing boat measuring more than 10 metres needs to buy fish quota to catch and land the fish. Often the only way for them to get a foothold is to lease quota. The Duchy Fish Quota Company will fulfil this essential role.

At other times established fishermen may need to lease fish quota. The Duchy Fish Quota Company will be able to meet their needs also. With our combined knowledge of the fishing industry we are able to identify and purchase the quota, which is most in demand and lease it back to the fishermen. The demise of the fishing industry in Cornwall will affect everyone in some way. Action is needed now.