NEWS
A busy time for the Young Fishermen Network!
30.08.24
This week we caught up with Matilda, Coordinator of the Young Fishermen Network (YFN), to talk about the brilliant events they have coordinated and supported.
The YFN launched early this year with an aim of ‘Strengthening communities around Cornwall, strengthening relationships between different towns and ports and connecting fishermen together’ explains Matilda.
The network’s first event in April brought together around 60 young people from across Cornwall for a busy day of workshops, sea shanties and food in Porthleven. The event aimed to inspire young people and allow them to gain knowledge and build skills.
Matilda herself is heavily involved with the fishing industry, with her family being commercial fishermen in Cadgwith, so she understands the need for support and encouragement for young people wanting to enter the industry. Matilda explains the project is necessary, “to showcase the fishing industry as an interesting and viable career, to involve young people and increase recruitment into the industry, which will in turn boost crew availability”.
At the beginning of August, the YFN teamed up with Cornwall’s Young Farmers to celebrate Cornish produce at a networking event. The Great Cornish Food Store provided workshops in butchery and filleting, the event brought together young people from the two industries to network and learn from each other.
And just last week the network collaborated with Argoe, a Newlyn fish restaurant, for an evening celebrating the Sardine Season. The customers were served sardines caught less than 12 hours before they were eaten and were given the opportunity to meet the fishermen and learn about the fishing gear that caught their dinner. The event aimed to educated customers, celebrate Cornish fishing and encourage sustainable consumer practices of buying local.
The next YFN event is planned for September- if you’re interested in attending, please contact;
Matilda.phillips@cornwallrcc.org.uk
@youngfishermennetwork
CRCC are proud to be supporting this incredible project to inspire and support the young people of Cornwall and help ensure a future for such a vital industry.