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Cornwall octopus by-law threatens traditional family fishing business, says fisherman
Overview
New by-laws implemented by the Cornwall Inshore Fisheries Authority (IFCA) to protect crab and lobster stocks following an invasion of Mediterranean octopus have inadvertently outlawed larger vessels from setting shellfish pots in coastal waters. Sam Jago, a Cornish fisherman whose family has fished the waters since the 1700s, says the rules threaten his livelihood because his historic 58-year-old boat exceeds the 12m length limit, even though he operates on a small scale. While fisheries authorities state the measures are necessary to prevent over-fishing and gear conflict amid a massive surge in octopus numbers, critics and local fishermen argue the rules create unforeseen consequences for traditional local boats.
Key points
- Cornwall Inshore Fisheries Authority introduced by-laws banning vessels over 12m from setting shellfish pots in coastal waters to protect crab and lobster stocks.
- The regulations were prompted by a surge in Mediterranean octopus numbers, which have heavily impacted local brown crab and scallop populations.
- Fisherman Sam Jago, whose family has fished Cornish waters for generations, says his 58-year-old boat exceeds the length limit and threatens to put him out of business.
- Jago questions the consistency of the rules, noting that his boat is permitted in neighboring Devon and Severn fisheries.
- Cornwall IFCA chief officer Sam Davis defended the measures as an essential first stage to reduce overall fishing effort and prevent over-fishing by larger vessels.
- Independent experts and industry associations noted that the legislation risks acting as collateral damage that displaces older, traditional boats rather than just modern high-powered vessels.