Fishing: Letter outlining package of support for commercial industry

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A decision made 14 April 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-E-2014-0027

Decision Summary Title :

Support for Commercial Fishing Industry

Date of Decision Summary:

14 April 2014

Decision Summary Author:

Strategy Manager

Decision Summary:

Public or Exempt?

(State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)

Public

Type of Report:

Oral or Written?

Written

Person Giving

Oral Report:

N/A

Written Report

Title :

Letter outlining support for commercial fishing industry

Date of Written Report:

14 April 2014

Written Report Author:

Strategy Manager

Written Report :

Public or Exempt?

(State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)

Public

Subject:

Letter outlining a package of support for the commercial fishing industry in Jersey.

Decision(s):

The Minister approved the letter outlining a range of measures to support the commercial fishing industry in Jersey.

Reason(s) for Decision:

Following the unprecedented bad weather last winter the Minister and Assistant Minister agreed a package of support for the commercial fishing industry.

Resource Implications:

The measures covering Harbour Dues and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) audit and bands will be funded by an internal transfer within the existing Rural Economy budget.

Action required:

The Minister requests that the letter outlining support measures be sent to the Jersey Fishermen’s Association (JFA) and all commercial fishermen as soon as possible.

Signature:

Position:

Minister for Economic Development

Date Signed:

Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Fishing: Letter outlining package of support for commercial industry

Economic Development Department

Ground Floor, Cyril Le Marquand House,

The Parade, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8UL

Tel: +44 (0)1534 440670

Email: c.labey@gov.je

14th April 2014

Dear Sirs,

Further to recent discussions between Government and the fishing industry, I am writing to confirm a package of suggested short-term measures designed to support the commercial fishing industry following the unprecedented bad weather this winter. I am also confirming the Department’s intention to meet with industry partners and scope out terms of reference for a longer term review of the future of the industry and its important contribution to the Island.

As discussed with Ministers and Officers the suggested package would comprise:

The Economic Development Department (ED) covering the remaining Harbour Dues and / or commercial moorings (Ports of Jersey already discount Harbour Dues by 50%) of commercial fishermen for 2014 (ED will pay Ports of Jersey who will reimburse dues already paid). ED will also seek to ‘match’ any future annual discount offered by Ports of Jersey.

ED, supported by the Chief Minister, are working with Treasury & Resources to secure funding to be able to provide grants to commercial fishermen covering up to 80% of the cost of replacement or 20% of the cost of repairing, pots lost in the recent bad weather. If funding is secured from Treasury & Resources, grants will be awarded based on information provided to the Department that warrants that the losses have been incurred and that any grant monies awarded have been used for the purpose for which they were intended. All grants will be subject to published criteria.

ED covering the JFA’s contribution in 2014 & 2015 to the annual Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) audit for the accreditation of the lobster fisheries and providing the minimum order quantity of bands carrying the MSC logo

ED have arranged for fishermen to discuss with Social Security means to be exempted from contributions liability during times when businesses are suffering from reduced incomes with the previously supplied dedicated points of contact

ED will arrange for officers from Social Security to meet the JFA and other commercial fishermen to explain Income Support and/or discuss any problems fishermen may be experiencing in accessing the scheme. The Income Support scheme is available to self-employed people on low incomes, subject to their other family circumstances and can adjust to variations in earnings.

The structure of contributions, particularly for the self-employed, including share fishermen, will form a significant part of the fundamental review of the Social Security contribution scheme from 2015 and officers of ED will be involved in proposing new structures and schemes

ED will arrange individual and collective business support as appropriate, in particular for marketing and export activity, by Jersey Business Limited

ED will facilitate discussions between the JFA and Genuine Jersey with a view to increased numbers of fishermen participating in organised markets and other promotional activity such as efforts to promote the consumption of local fish

ED working with the JFA to commission and deliver a long term business development strategy for the fishing industry in Jersey

Strenuous efforts being continued by Government at political level, to assist fishermen with the territorial challenges they currently face with Guernsey

This suggested package of immediate and longer-term support demonstrates the States continued commitment to the industry and is in recognition of the importance of maintaining a viable and sustainable local fishing industry.

Yours sincerely

Deputy Carolyn Labey

Assistant Minister

Economic Development Department

t. +44 (0) 1534 440670
email: c.labey@gov.je | www.gov.je