An historic Dorset fishery using state of the art technology to protect shellfish stocks, the livelihoods of local fishermen and its unique marine environment has been rewarded with a major national award.
The Poole Harbour Clam and Cockle Fishery scooped the Marine Stewardship Council UK (MSC) Ocean Leadership Award last night at a glitzy ceremony at the Signet Library, in Edinburgh, for its innovative use of drones.
The award recognises and rewards a fishery that has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the field of seafood sustainability and made a unique contribution to the sustainability of certified fisheries.
Since the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA), which manages and regulates the fishery, introduced the drones into its Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) activities in 2022, it has transformed its officers’ ability to detect and deter illegal fishing across a complex estuarine system with sensitive habitats.
After receiving the award at the ceremony, Pia Bateman, chief executive officer at the Southern IFCA, said she was “deeply honoured.”
“This award reflects the hard work, collaboration and innovation shown by everyone involved in the Poole Harbour Clam and Cockle Fishery,” she said. “This technology has not only strengthened protections of sensitive marine habitats but also helped to champion and showcase responsible fishing practice, which ultimately ensures that the fishery continues to meet the highest sustainability standards set by the MSC.
“This initiative demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can be responsibly applied in small-scale fisheries to achieve world-class outcomes. It shows that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, and that where the right management tools are coupled with community stewardship, inshore fisheries management can lead the way globally.”
The drones provide the Southern IFCA with advanced imaging that aids both enforcement and research work. They have become a fast-response tool especially in 'difficult to access' areas of the coastline and at night. They are now an essential tool for enforcement, protection and research and have been instrumental in successful fisheries prosecutions.
Alex Holdgate, MSC Fisheries Outreach Manager UK and Ireland, said: “By integrating drones into fisheries management at this small-scale fishery, Southern IFCA has delivered a modern, innovative and highly effective approach that ensures the Poole Harbour Clam and Cockle Fishery continues to meet the highest sustainability standards.
“This initiative is a model of fantastic leadership on fisheries management and a blueprint for other fisheries worldwide. Importantly, it helps support the ongoing certification of the fishery, which provides incredible clams and cockles for UK consumers to enjoy, safe in the knowledge that they are from a sustainable source.”
Cockle fishing has taken place in Poole since the 1900s and in 2018, the Poole Harbour Clam and Cockle Fishery was the first fishery in Dorset to receive MSC certification. The fishery provides income for 45 permits holders in Poole Harbour, as represented by the Poole and District Fisherman’s Association, who work collaboratively with Southern IFCA to support and promote the sustainable fishery.
In 2020, Waitrose became the first major UK supermarket to start selling clams and cockles from the fishery on its fish counters. Previously, these had only been available in top restaurants but after this market was disrupted during the pandemic lockdowns, Waitrose threw the Dorset shellfish company a lifeline and started selling its produce.