Hook to Plate Traceability

Monofilament nets on trawlers and gillnets provide a highly efficient way of catching fish. Concern grew amongst the handline fishermen that they would be loosing out on the quota for mackerel, pollack, bass and squid

The South West Handline Fishermen’s Association (SWHFA) introduces an individual tagging system for each fish caught using a hook and line. You can go onto their website and enter the TAG number and find out ‘who caught my fish?’

• Numbered tags are inserted into the gills or mouth by the fishermen (and remain in the fish until taken out by the end user)
• The tagged fish are stored in a slush-ice mix in insulated tubs to keep the catch fresh
• Once the fish reach the market they are re-iced to ensure continued quality
• The website can be used by anyone in the supply chain from wholesaler to restauranteurs to see who caught their fish
• The SWHFA advocate that when you buy line caught you can be assures the fish has been caught using sustainable and traditional method with a minimal environmental impact with hook and line
• The tags can be recycled to help save costs. You can return them to: Seafood Cornwall Training, Admiralty Boathouse, 23 The Strand, Newlyn, Cornwall TR18 5HL
• The SWHFA receives generous funding from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fisheries Action Group (FLAG) and the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

• Objective One for handliners | Falmouth Packet