Demersal Fisherman of the Year
To be awarded to a UK- or Ireland-based fisherman who has made a clear commitment to the demersal fishing industry in 2019. Skills, determination, leadership ability and adaptability to changes in today’s industry are all important qualities.
Shortlist
Daniel Chamberlain, Fair Morn BA 19
Daniel has been a fisherman since he was 16. He started on the Freedom BA 280, then moved on to the Aeolus, where he saved his skipper’s life. Skipper James Jack got caught up in a rope which took him overboard. Danny dived down and cut him free. Two years ago, Daniel became the skipper on Fair Morn BA 19. Since then he has “worked hard, looks after his crew and is always on hand to help others in the Troon harbour fleet.”
To vote click here
James Jack, Bon Ami BA 104
James has been a fisherman since leaving school, working in a family business until five years ago when he decided to buy an older boat. Through sheer hard work, he has managed to upgrade twice, resulting in his current ownership of a modern inshore vessel.
“His knowledge of fishing is vast, from gear to engineering, electronics and just general problem-solving, to net construction.” He has also sat on the executive committee of the CFA and has participated in this and has great knowledge of regulations.
To vote click here
Stuart Legge, Golden Sceptre PD 50
Skippering the Golden Sceptre, Stuart always has the welfare and safety of crew at the fore during his trips, and ecologically he has a desire to manage his catches and impact on the sea. Stuart takes the lead in everyday roles of the boat which include the upkeep, organising other crew members, making sure the boat is seaworthy, and that the crew have everything they need. From when he started as skipper, Stuart is to the core – at home and sea – a North Sea fisherman. He had dealt with crews from different cultures and succeeded in running a safe and harmonious boat. Nominees say that he is “one of the cleverest and most efficient skippers I know,” and, “he really does excel in all aspects.”
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David Milne, Faithlie FR 220
David Milne has shown that he is a top whitefish skipper, with extensive knowledge of the fishing grounds both off the west coast of Scotland and in the North Sea. In more than 30 years as a skipper, he has demonstrated his skill at many types of fishing, including fly-shooting, single-boat trawling and pair-seining. During this time he has worked extremely hard to meet extreme challenges outside of his control, while remaining dedicated to fishing, including taking delivery of two new whitefish boats. David is also chairman of the White Fish Producers’ Association in Scotland, a role in which he is highly thought of and well-respected.
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Colin Mitchell, Beryl BF 440
Colin has the reputation of not only being a very good fisherman, but his great interest in, and knowledge of, the quota side of things is a real help to others. He now sits on the SFO committee and is good at explaining the workings of the quotas to other fishermen. He has been at the fishing for over 34 years and a skipper for most of that. He puts in a lot of effort and is always keen to help others if he can.
To vote click here
