Fishing News Awards 2021: Meet Our Sponsors!

Fishing News is proud to present the Fishing News Awards 2021, taking place virtually at 7pm on 17 June and showcasing the amazing achievements of the industry throughout 2020.

The Fishing News Awards wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors. Find out more about their invaluable work within the industry below…

The Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust – sponsoring the Sustainability Award

The Fishmongers’ Company has upheld standards in the trading of fish and shellfish, and supported the fisheries industry, for over 700 years, and aims to promote a ‘healthy, prosperous and sustainable fish and fisheries sector for the long-term benefit of the United Kingdom’.

“In order to recognise the huge steps already taken by the British fishing industry in making the industry more sustainable, and to encourage further innovation and achievement in this respect, the company has decided to sponsor the annual Sustainability Award,” the company says.

“The Fishmongers’ Company works to build and safeguard a prosperous and sustainable fishing industry, for the benefit of those engaged in it, the environment and our island nation,” it adds. “As part of this, we think it’s important to recognise and reward projects that are at the forefront of improving sustainability in the fishing industry, continuing to provide the incredible range of seafood the UK and Ireland has to offer, whilst protecting the long-term health of our fisheries, for the benefit of our marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that rely on them.”

Follow The Fishmongers’ Company at @fishmongersco on Twitter. You can also find it on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit its website for more information: fishmongers.org.uk

Sunderland Marine Insurance Company – sponsoring Trainee Fisherman of the Year

Established in 1882, Sunderland Marine has been providing marine insurance for over 130 years. Its team of claims specialists, underwriters, risk surveyors and loss prevention experts work alongside a global support team and ‘fully understand the individual needs of policy holders’.

“Sunderland Marine’s unparalleled experience, vast technical knowledge and proactive culture are what makes us the insurer of choice,” the company says. “We are passionate about promoting safety at sea and are proud to regularly contribute to, and sponsor, training programmes in the UK and overseas.

“Sunderland Marine covers a wide range of insurances including hull and machinery, P&I, personal accident and aquaculture. Our experienced team of P&I claims handlers are supported by a worldwide network of legal and adjusting professionals to give the very best service at times of need.”

“Sunderland Marine supports the Fishing News Awards because of the recognition and support shown to all aspects of the fishing industry,” said Craig McBurnie, marine underwriting manager of sponsoring the Fishing News Awards in 2021. “The Trainee Fisherman of the Year category, and the trainees it represents, are important to Sunderland Marine and to the future of fishing.

“We continue our commitment to supporting safety and training initiatives whenever possible, and we know that the candidates who have been nominated for this award understand and demonstrate safety awareness alongside their practical skills.”

Find out more about the company on its website: sunderlandmarine.com and follow it on Twitter at @SM_MarineIns or on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Seafish – sponsoring Young Fisherman of the Year

Seafish is a non-departmental public body set up by the Fisheries Act 1981, whose sponsors include the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolved administrations.

“Seafish is here to give the UK seafood sector the support it needs to thrive,” it says. “Using our unique, non-competitive position, we work in partnership with businesses, government and organisations to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.”

Seafish is funded by a levy on the first sale of seafood in the UK, which ‘makes a huge difference’, the public body says. “It keeps fishermen safe, supports sustainable sourcing, helps businesses work efficiently, and boosts the nation’s health. We tackle everything from research to campaigns, insights to training – whatever we can do to give our industry the support it needs.

“A thriving seafood industry relies on passionate people and finding future leaders,” Seafish says. “That’s why we support the Young Fisherman of the Year award, and we’re proud to celebrate our fishing industry in this way.”

Visit Seafish’s website at: seafish.org for more information, or follow it on Twitter @seafishUK or LinkedIn.

The Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association Ltd (SWFPA) – sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement Award

Formed in 1943, the SWFPA is the largest fishing association in Scotland, representing around 260 vessels and 1,400 fishermen.

“Our members contribute £200m to Scotland’s economy,” SWFPA says. “We are the voice of our members and collate their messages to inform policy-makers and other relevant industry figures.

“We judge our industry’s wealth not only by its income, but also by the health of its resources and the wellbeing of those that work within the sector.”

The association says its goal is to ‘create and maintain a resilient seafood sector, to help our members invest and plan with confidence’.

“Our members are progressive and at the forefront of innovation,” it explains. “We deliver our strategy by listening to and engaging with those who operate within the sector to ensure their welfare and wellbeing are protected.

“SWFPA remains committed to supporting the Fishing News Awards, but more specifically the Lifetime Achievement Award, given that a breadth of selfless individuals continue to give their all to the seafood sector unacclaimed.”

Visit: swfpa.com to find out more about the association, and follow it on Twitter at @SWFPA and on Facebook.

Introducing our Safety Partner: Fishing Industry Safety Group (FISG)

The FISG Home and Dry campaign aims to connect and engage with fishermen on the issues of staying safe at sea now that the ILO Work in Fishing Convention (ILO 188) is in force. The latest phase of the campaign shares vital messages about safety at sea and reminds those working on fishing vessels to take three simple steps to reduce the risk of death from falling overboard:

1. Complete a written risk assessment and review it regularly

2. Practise man-overboard drills regularly.

3.Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) on deck in case the worst happens.

Follow the campaign on Facebook and on Instagram.

Join us and our sponsors at 7pm on 17 June to find out the winners of the 2021 awards and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.