Cornwall’s identity and the fishing industry go hand in hand. Cornwall is jammed full of picturesque fishing villages and has over 36 active ports with over 600km of coastline. From smaller ports like Padstow, St Ives and Mevagissey to the heart of the industry, Newlyn harbour – home to one of the largest fleets in the UK. Fishing is the lifeblood that runs through many of these places, the cultural fabric of this county.
Yet how many of Cornwall’s visitors or locals know the full story behind our incredible seafood? Much more than just an economic activity, fishing in Cornwall is a huge part of the county’s heritage and culture, as well as integral to family life – with many examples of multiple generations fishing alongside each other.
As part of our year-long pilot project, Seafood Cornwall will be working directly with fishing communities across Cornwall to help better connect Cornwall’s visitors to the fishing industry and their catch. As well as identifying and celebrating fishermen and fishmongers you can already buy direct from, and restaurants selling locally caught seafood, we’ll be looking to support local fishing communities interested in setting up pilot direct selling schemes and mini fish-festivals to celebrate their fresh local produce.
We’ll be supporting fishermen on the ground to get the infrastructure in place to shorten their supply chains for limited sales. Opening up opportunities for locals and tourists to buy direct from boats gives will offer an authentic taste of the industry, and aims to introduce new species into people’s fish-supper repertoires.
If you would like to learn more, please get in touch
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