The Port Issac based ‘Orcades II’ has gained an Objective One fisheries grant to diversify into long lining during the winter months.

Jim May, the owner / skipper of the Orcades II will diversify from potting for shellfish into long lining by purchasing four jigging machines.

Not only will this change of fishing style reduce fishing effort for brown crab but will provide line caught Bass, Pollack and Squid which is of superior quality to netted fish.

Alison Elvey, Objective One Fisheries Programme Manager welcomed the project, "Many fishermen in Cornwall want to diversify into new methods of fishing which are both economically and environmentally sustainable. By changing to lining, Mr May will be able to produce high quality fish during the winter months, which will help protect crab stocks."