Now more and more retailers and buyers request their fish to come from Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS) registered boats, fishermen in the South East should take the opportunity to get 75% of the costs back when they are having an RFS audit carried out. 50% of the subsidy comes from SEAFISH, 25% from the South East Seafood group.

 

Launched in 2006 the Responsible Fishing Scheme aims to provide fishing vessels with a tool to prove their credentials to an ever more demanding market. It also aims to promote good operational and environmental practice and is a means by which vessels can show their ability to follow good practice and  demonstrate that their catch has been properly looked after. At the same time they can show buyers that their catch is sourced in a responsible manner having due regard for the environment in which they operate.
 
Although managed by Seafish, vessel eligibility to qualify for the scheme is assessed by independent auditors and it is their decision as to whether vessels reach the standards required. The scheme covers all aspects of vessel operations including, amongst other things; Fishing practices, Environmental considerations, Crew competence and Vessel suitability.

 

To apply vessels can either complete an application form obtainable from either Seafish or you local fishermen's training association (Alan Sandham), or alternatively contact Seafish's scheme manager Mick Bacon 07976 222936 or m_bacon@seafish.co.uk. Once applied vessels are given full instructions as to what will happen and are given full support from dedicated instructors in order to ensure they are ready for their final audits.
 
In relation to costs, the only expense incurred by the vessels is the cost of the independent audit. This varies depending on the number of vessels audited on the same day. If for example a minimum of three audits can be carried out on the same day, this will reduce the costs to vessels considerably. Currently any vessels working in the South East region are eligible for 75% support towards the costs of audits so vessels will only pay 25% of the costs shown below.
 
Single vessel audit    £450 +VAT plus auditor travel expenses
Two vessel audit       £300 +VAT plus half share of expenses per vessel
Three vessel audit     £200 +VAT plus third share of expenses per vessel.
 
Typically expenses are around £50 so the cost (3 vessel audit) per vessel after subsidy is approximately £60-65. Following qualification each vessel is given 2000 vessel tallies and has its full details displayed on the dedicated RFS website which maximises the opportunities for potential buyers to be aware of and access your catch. To view the website and look at the information it displays on each vessels' behalf go to http://rfs.seafish.org