A Padstow netter, the ‘Charisma’, has been awarded Objective 1 fisheries funds for modernisation of it’s wheelhouse, fish room and for new technology.

The vessel, which targets Tuna, Hake, Cod and Turbot will install a second galley in an extended wheelhouse where all the crew can sit down and eat together, rather than, as happens now, having to stand to eat. Along with other works to aid crew comfort, the skipper hopes to retain his existing crew and attract more crew onto his vessel.

The face-lift on board the ‘Charisma’ will also include a fish room extension to give room for fish to be stored in fish boxes, rather than in fish pounds which squash the fish. This will reduce the handling of the fish and improve the quality of the catch.

The final part of the modernisation to the vessel entails purchasing a satellite telephone and satcom system. This will enable the crew to keep a close eye on market prices when at sea, so landings can be co-ordinated to get the best price for the fish and maintain a consistent supply for the markets.