Registrations are now open for fishermen to attend the next Fisheries Resource Education Programme (F-REP) event, taking place between 29 January – 1 February at the Ingliston Estate just outside of Glasgow.
Fishing into the Future have been running events like this since 2017, but this marks the third in the current series of three-day residentials, following well-received events on the south coast of England at the end of 2023 and north-east of England earlier this year. With over 100 people having attended this series of events so far – the majority being active fishermen and people working in the fishing industry – the Clyde edition is expected to attract strong interest. Deadlines for applications has been set for December 18th (application link found below).
F-REP brings together a diverse mix of those involved with the industry, including policymakers, regulators, marine and fisheries researchers, supply chain professionals, and of course, fishermen. The goal is to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among these groups—as well as giving them the chance to interact in an entirely new setting focused on laying the foundations for collaborative fisheries management. Through a combination of practical, hands-on activities, presentations, group dinners, and a quiz night, attendees will have the opportunity to share expertise, build skills, and strengthen relationships across the sector.
Explaining why these events are so important, Emma Plotnek, Executive Director of fishermen-led charity Fishing into the Future — which organises the event, said:
“Fishermen, researchers, and policymakers all want the same thing: a thriving, sustainable industry that supports coastal communities for generations. Previously, a lack of cohesion between these groups has led to fragmented efforts that have often sidelined fishermen from the decision making process.
“Today, there’s a growing recognition of their shared mission. Policymakers need fishermen’s input and buy-in for effective management, and scientists rely on industry expertise for research and data collection.
“F-REP provides a space where participants each bring their unique pieces of a puzzle. By the end, they’ve put it all together, gaining a clearer view of the challenges facing the industry and understanding the role they each play in tackling them.
“F-REP isn’t about lecturing fishermen—it’s a collaborative, hands-on experience. The sessions are co-designed with fishermen, and many are led by industry professionals. While practical knowledge-sharing is central, just as important is sharing a meal next to someone you’ve never met but have to work with, building relationships, and finding common ground. Whether you work from a wheelhouse, an office, or a lab, everyone at F-REP shares the same goal: thriving fisheries.
“It is a really special process to be a part of an unparalleled opportunity to put fishermen at the heart of discussions about the future of our fisheries.”
Ashley Mullenger, who attended the previous F-REP in the east, talked about the experience of attending as a fisherman:
“It’s a unique opportunity we get to understand each other better and build meaningful relationships with policymakers, fisheries scientists and other key stakeholders, and Fishing into the Future manages to do this in a way that puts the industry voices front and centre.
“With collaborative management approaches now becoming standard practice, the F-REP provides not only the tools and what to expect when working in a collaborative space, but also the opportunity to connect and learn in a way that resonates with us, keeping everyone engaged and even sometimes entertained”
The ‘collaborative management approaches’ mentioned by Ashley refer to Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), new frameworks for managing UK fisheries. These plans, which vary in specifics, can include mechanisms for fishermen to contribute directly to decisions through advisory groups and co-management committees. Developed in consultation with fishermen, they can also be adaptive and evolve as new data or circumstances emerge.
The Scottish Government has extended the deadline for completing Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) to the end of 2026, citing the need for sufficient time to ensure thorough stakeholder engagement and consultation required for robust and effective plans. The Clyde F-REP therefore comes at an opportune moment to set the conditions for effective collaboration, particularly on the Nephrops FMP that the Scottish Government is committed to producing.
F-REP Clyde has already received lots of interest from fishermen on the Clyde, along with requests from the Northern Ireland, Northeast England and the north-west coast of Scotland. Funded positions are available for fishermen, and accommodations and meals are provided fully.
Full details of the event, as well as a form to register interest, are available at: https://www.fishingporthole.co.uk/f-rep/ – or call/WhatsApp Emma on 07311 812 105. Registrations open until the 18th December 2024