|
Pole caught tuna were just one of the delicacies on offer at the 15th Newlyn Fish Festival yesterday.
As
the seas warm up, it is predicted that tuna will soon be swimming far
closer to Cornish shores, so now three boats from Newlyn have set
themselves up to fish for tuna using the environmentally friendly pole
or line method.
The boats catch albacore tuna by putting out two long poles from the fishing boat, like outriggers.
They suspend lines from the poles with lures attached and then steam along catching single fish at a time on the lures.
Because
of the size of the hooks used, this method of fishing ensures that only
mature fish are caught, which weigh in at anything from about four
kilograms.
From now on, most line caught tuna landed in Cornwall
will be tagged, similar to line caught bass and pollock, giving 100 per
cent traceability to the purchaser to see who caught the fish.
Although
a lot of Cornish tuna goes off to top restaurants including Rick Stein
and Jamie Oliver's Fifteen, there was no shortage of tuna available for
sampling at the Festival.
More than 20,000 people thronged the piers and fish market in Newlyn, near Penzance, West Cornwall.
As
well as being able to sample all sorts fish and seafood ranging from
sushi, to Goan seafood and Paella, there were also cookery
demonstrations, fish auctions, displays of maritime skills, gig races
and a helicopter display.
The event is organised by the Royal
National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen and is an opportunity for the
public to learn about the fishing industry as it adapts to the needs of
a changing world.
As everyone enjoyed glorious sunshine, Tony
Woodhams, chairman of the local advisory committee to the Mission to
Deep Sea Fishermen, said: "It's an absolutely amazing day here.
"I've
got the Camborne Youth Band playing behind me and there are in excess
of 20,000 people here enjoying it and taking the opportunity to soak up
the unique atmosphere of Newlyn and learn about the industry at the
same time.
"Everyone is enjoying the fantastic food on offer and we have had an auctioneer selling an albacore tuna.
"But people have also been sampling swordfish and shark and lots of fish curries.
"There's
been lots of activity in the harbour with a transatlantic rowing boat,
an old fishing lugger and the RNLI putting on displays.
"But there has also been arts and crafts, lots of live musical entertainment and industry exhibitions.
"All in all it's a huge success."
article copyright WESTERN MORNING NEWS
 |
