Fishermen working the boats off the Cornish coastline still rely on the old ways to get them through the rigours of days out at sea.

However, with much smaller crews aboard the vessels these days, there is not always time for old hands to teach new fishermen how to mend nets.

That concern is felt no more acutely that at the Cornwall Fisheries Resource Centre (CFRC).

In order to beat the skills shortage, the CFRC has unveiled a one-day net-mending course in a bid to preserve the time-honoured art for future generations.

The move came after a recent fishing industry survey revealed there was a chronic shortage of skilled net-menders which, if left unchecked, could prevent some boats from going to sea in the future.

Students can learn how to cut out parts of a damaged net ready for mending, how to mend a net and basic types of net mesh.

Gus Caslake, a fisheries technologist from the Sea Fish Industry Authority, which looks after fishing interests in the South West, attended the course.

He said: "This course is exactly what the Cornish fishing industry needs to fill the skills gap and to give new entrants a jump start to rejuvenate what could become a dying art."

CFRC project officer Sarah Henshall said: "It is no longer realistic to expect new recruits or younger hands to learn all the basic skills required at sea.

"Boats are going to sea without the luxury of large crews which means that, when at sea, there isn't time for more experienced hands to train new entrants."

The course aims to equip fishermen with the basic skills required in order to perform emergency mends at sea and maintenance procedures in port.

Fishermen attending the course receive a manual which enables them to refer back to pictures and guidance notes to help reinforce the techniques covered on the day of the course.

Although based at Newlyn, the centre serves the whole of Cornwall. It is funded by a number of organisations including European Union Objective One, Penwith District Council, Rural Community Partnership and Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners.

The next net-mending course is due to take place on Friday, December 14 at The CFRC, 78b The Strand, Newlyn.

Anyone wishing to book a place should call 01736 364324.

Other courses offered by the CFRC can be found on the Cornwall Fisheries Resource Centre's website at www.cfrc.org.uk

article copyright WESTERN MORNING NEWS 

Comments (0)