Support Holy Island Fishing And its future

UPDATE!
After a long consultation process and community campaign, the proposed legislation by Defra to ban fishing in the waters around Holy Island was rejected.

The future of the Holy Island fishing industry, central to the island’s economy and community, was under immediate threat.

Waters around the island were selected by Defra (the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) as a designated zone for a Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA) which would have meant a complete ban of all fishing.

The fishermen and community of Holy Island strongly opposed this proposed selection because we believed it was misguided and unfair, even based on the criteria Defra set themselves: to minimise social and economic impacts while maximising ecological gains. Happily our concerns were supported and the proposed HPMA was rejected.

High uncertainty if there would be any substantial ecological gains

  • The Holy Island fishery is already an exemplar of sustainable fishing with a clear priority on conservation
  • Low impact potting for crab and lobster in small boats is the only commercial fishing activity remaining in the proposed HMPA waters
  • Academic research supports the low impact of potting fisheries on marine habitat
  • Multiple layers of conservation byelaws are already in place in the proposed areas agreed between the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Society (IFCA) and the fishing community
  • Lack of data to evidence or justify the proposal of Lindisfarne (Holy Island) as an HPMA
  • The benefits of sustainable fishing and effective conservation measures are already being experienced first-hand.

The fishing ban would have major economic and social impacts on Holy Island

  • The fishery is the heart of the island and has been central to Holy Island's economy and culture for hundreds, if not thousands, of years
  • Fishing families make up 15% of the island resident population and also populate the island's primary school
  • The fishery is the heart of the island and has been central to Holy Island's economy and culture for hundreds, if not thousands, of years
  • Holy Island fishery is particularly vulnerable because fishermen cannot move to nearby fishing grounds beyond the proposed HPMA as these are already fully utilised by other boats harboured at Seahouses and Berwick
  • Relocating a boat without physically moving home is also not possible because the island is cut off from the mainland twice a day by the tides.
  • The large size of the proposed Holy Island/Lindisfarne HPMA (129km2 ) exacerbates the significant social and economic impact beyond the island itself

High uncertainty if there would be any substantial ecological gains

There was a 12 week consultation period on this legislation which ended on 28th September. The fishermen and the organisations representing the island community (Parish Council, Community Development Trust and St Mary's Church) took an active part in the consultative process which endede on the 28th September.

Complete Defra's consultation form (for those living on the island or are connected to it): Consultation Form

Respond to our local MP's survey about Holy Island fishing and the proposed HPMA. Respond to our MP

If you would like more information about how to actively support: Sarah Hills or John Bevan

Media Coverage: The Guardian Report The Sunday Telegraph Report

Holy Island Press Statement: Our Statement

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