DOUBLE BENEFIT FOR THE 'SOWENNA'
27 April 2005

Local skipper Ian Mitchell has secured over £13,000 of Objective One Fisheries Grants, facilitated by South West Pesca Ltd, for two projects to upgrade his boat ‘Sowenna’. The Sowenna, is a 16 metre vessel working out of Newlyn, with a crew of 5 or 6 including skipper Mr Mitchell. The vessel fishes SW of the Scillies and throughout the Western approaches for premium fish such as Hake, Turbot and whitefish.

The first project, to install an upgraded refrigeration system in the fishroom, will keep fish at optimum temperature. This will improve the quality of the fish and should ensure that the fish get a better price at market. The new refrigeration system will also mean that less ice is needed on the boat and as a consequence will lower the running costs for the boat.

The second project, to upgrade the net hauler to a more ‘fish friendly’ design, will help improve catch quality. The drums and rollers are specifically designed to minimise damage to the fish and the nets as they are hauled.

Clare Leverton, Objective 1 Fisheries Programme Manager commented: “With the money for vessel upgrades being allocated very quickly, the grants are now targeted at projects which will improve the quality, and therefore the value, of fish landed into Cornish ports”

Ian Mitchell, owner and skipper of the ‘Sowenna’ added “The new refrigeration system is much better, keeping the fishroom at a much cooler, steady temperature. We already have a good reputation for the quality of our fish and the new system means that we can build on this reputation and continue to deliver high quality fish”

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