Fishermen get to grips with the net

Until recently, the net would only mean one thing to fishermen but the fishing industry in West Cornwall is realising the benefits of the Internet.Actnow, the Objective One project, is promoting the use of broadband in the fishing community in Newlyn and fishermen are making the most of it.

Broadband allows more data to be carried at any one time, providing a speedier connection for computer users.

David Pascoe, who set up www.cornishsardine.com a year ago, said: "Broadband has opened up new ways of reaching out to customers. I've received many private orders through my website and it has helped to promote awareness of the industry to a wider public."

Robin Turner of JH Turner and Co, retail and wholesale fish merchants in Newlyn, uses the new technology to get information and to increase sales.

Mr Turner said: "With broadband, there is instant access to a whole range of useful information such as weather forecasts and pressure charts, making planning and safety easier.

"It also gives us access to online fish auctions. Broadband has really helped increase our productivity."

Actnow recently set up the wireless broadband network at the Community Centre in Newlyn free of charge, so the community could make the most of using the Internet.

Actnow has worked with the national charity EverybodyOnline which aims to help people overcome barriers to using digital technology.

Gary Palmer from EverybodyOnline, said: "We're working hard in Newlyn to raise awareness of the benefits of the Internet to the fishing industry and the wider community. The Internet really can help transform businesses and people's lives."

Actnow is changing the face of farming across the region with its work to introduce broadband use to farmers. Actnow project director Nigel Ashcroft has said in the past that his aim is to ensure that every man, woman and child in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can enjoy the benefits of broadband.

Carleen Kelemen, director of the Objective One Partnership, says the importance of the fishing industry getting to grips with the benefits of the Internet cannot be over-emphasised.

She said: "We're delighted to see that the benefits of 21st century technology are now being extended to the fishing industry, where it will contribute to maximising the landed value of Cornish fish."