Funding for a new interactive Smart Board at Ardglass Primary School
“We love to learn all about fishing in Ardglass and we are proud to be a fishing village. Many thanks for the great news about the generous contribution towards the IMEX Panel (SmartBoard). It will be extremely well received from our families in Ardglass many of whom rely on the fishing industry for employment. With ever-decreasing funds being allocated to children’s education in Northern Ireland our pupils and families are suffering from a lack of investment in technology and resources in our classrooms in St Nicholas’ PS, Ardglass just the same as other schools.
Kevin Burns, Principal, St Nicholas Primary School, Ardglass (2019)
Funding for camping equipment for the Ards Peninsula Scout Group
“We are so very grateful for the items we were able to get (with the donation), they have been invaluable.”
Julie-Ann Bailie, Ards Peninsula Scout Group, Northern Ireland (2019)
Funding for the Charitable group ‘Northern Ireland Women in Fisheries’
“Thank you again for your generous award which we will use for our main expenditure – public liability insurance and auditors fees. We will also now be able to replace our ageing fry pans and be able to purchase more fish for sampling at our presentations (Giving out samples is the key to encourage the buying of locally caught fresh fish).
The donation will also help meet the costs of other expenses including travelling, purchase of sample dishes, spoons, cooking ingredients and sustenance for our long distance venues.“
Lou Henning, Northern Ireland Women in Fisheries (2019)
Students in N.I. develop safer winch control panel (ANCPOS project)
“SERC are most grateful to have been awarded this grant and have high aspirations for the ANCPOS project moving forward.”
Aurla McCloughlin, Deputy Head of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, South Eastern Regional College, N.Ireland (2019)
Funding for fish processing equipment (Skinning machine and grader)
“Our objective as a company is to support the local fishermen by maximising the value of their landings. The assistance from West of Morecambe Fisheries fund is a key element in our ability to invest in new equipment and processes. This recent funding will support a significant capital expenditure programme, which will enable us to service new markets and also to improve the handling and processing of the catch.
On behalf of our owners, the fishermen of Northern Ireland, I want to formally acknowledge this support and express our sincere gratitude.”
Geoff Hooks, Sea Source Processing Ltd (2018)
Funding to support the post of scientific officer within the Holderness Fishing Industry Group
“The fisheries research that HFIG produces is gaining recognition with fisheries managers and the wider scientific community. The fisheries collaboration with Ørsted and West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd has led to an increased scientific output and recent publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal. Thanks to additional funding for HFIGs fisheries scientist through West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd, we can continue our research and further our goals of high quality scientific fisheries research into our local crustacean stocks and drive sustainability for the fisheries future.”
Dr Mike Roach, Scientific Officer, Holderness Fishing Industry Group (2018)
Funding for major improvement to Whitehaven harbour
“Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners are grateful to the West of Morecambe Fisheries grant contribution to this much needed project to improve the health, safety and environmental sustainability of all the commercial fishing industry who use Whitehaven as their landing port. It will future proof the facilities provided here for years to come.“
Celia MacKenzie, CEO Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners (2018)
Funding for new safety equipment (Morecambe and Heysham)
“A huge thank you from Morecambe & Heysham Fishermen’s Association to the energy firms that have made this grant possible, all our members are eternally grateful for their generosity.”
Trevor Owen, Morecambe & Heysham Fishermen’s Association (2018)
Equipment for landing and handling fish in Whitehaven (Whitehaven Fishermen’s Cooperative)
“Whitehaven Fishermen’s Cooperative are extremely grateful to Ørsted for their generous grant from the West of Morecambe Fisheries Fund. This grant will allow the purchase of fish boxes, ice bins and associated equipment, all of which make a very positive contribution to the Cooperative’s operation at Whitehaven harbour.”
Ron Graham, NFFO & Director, Whitehaven Fishermen’s Cooperative (2018)
Dockside crane / davit (Barrow & Furness Fishermen’s Association)
“FEDF and Barrow Borough Council are delighted to have been able to work alongside the Association to achieve its electric crane funding success. When the crane is operational from the summer, the Association’s fleet will be able to operate more efficiently when maintaining their vessels and when each prepares to depart for fishing grounds. Returning laden vessels will be able to unload and dispatch their catches faster too benefitting customers. With the grant the future of fishing from Furness and the jobs it supports will be more sustainable”.
Stuart Klosinski , Programme Manager for Furness Economic Development Forum (2018)
Funds for building upgrade and repairs (Fleetwood Fishermen’s Mission)
“The focus of our work here is to provide direct practical support to individuals and families. This donation from WOMF gives us a better facility than we currently have and we envisage that with a clear reduction to our current outgoings, we can see a general improvement of the welfare output and morale boost to our local beneficiaries. Thank you for the incredible support you have shown towards our work here with our fishing community. “
Reverend George Ayoma, Pastor and Area Officer, Fleetwood Fishermen’s Mission (2018)
Funding for essential building maintenance and upgrades (Portavogie)
“We at SFITA really do appreciate the help with the funding, and the fishermen will benefit directly from it. The difference the insulation will make to the heat in the office, but more importantly for the Fishermen using the centre with the Fishermen’s mission, and the trainees attending courses will be immeasurable. Getting the building painted will also help improve the visual aspect from the Harbour area.“
Juanita Emerson, Seafish Industry Training Association (NI), Portavogie (2018)
Community Shellfish Holding tank for Fleetwood’s inshore fishermen
“Fantastic news for Fleetwood’s inshore fishing fleet. The benefits of this tank are huge !!!“
Frans Schaap, Fleetwood Inshore Fisherman (2018)
Solar Panels for Fishing Handing Plant (Maryport, Cumbria)
“The fishing community at Maryport are very grateful to WOMF for the grant for solar panels. It will be a benefit to running of our fish handling plant by cutting our electricity bill. By keeping the price of fish storage and ice down we also reduce our carbon footprint. We thank you once again for your support.“
John McAvoy B.E.M. Director, Maryport Fishing Company Ltd (2018)
New davit crane for Barrow in Furness
“ The Barrow and Furness Fishermen’s Association would like to thank WOMF for the funds to purchase this davit. The davit will be of benefit to the Barrow and Furness fishermen.“
Gary Pidduck, Barrow and Furness Fishermen’s Association (2018)
Funding for the set-up of the MADE in Mourne Company (Kilkeel)
“We are extremely grateful to WOMF for their donation as without it we wouldn’t have been able to secure the building. The landlord had another interested party, but we were determined to get in. As soon as we were able to tell the community that we had the building and had set a 100 day target for launch, the project had credibility and the community swung into action and we made it happen. Without the WOMF believing in us and the project, it wouldn’t have happened. Full stop. So we are extremely grateful. As you can see from the website and our facebook page, the end result is spectacular. The locals can’t believe how amazing it looks. In turn this has resulted in great footfall, strong initial sales and artists, crafters, artisans and small businesses already making money. This will be spent not just on their company growth, but locally on dance lessons and football boots for our children, to feed our families and to support other local businesses we spend our money in. Fishing communities like Kilkeel don’t just want projects like this, they need them. This really works and we look forward to keeping in touch to show you how it develops. On behalf of the Mourne community, thank you”.
Jenna Stevenson, Founder and Managing Director, MADE in Mourne (2017)
Kilkeel Strategic Partnership
“On behalf of Kilkeel Strategic Partnership, I want to express our thanks for the funding from The West of Morecambe Fisheries Fund. This funding has been invaluable in supporting us, in taking the “Kilkeel Harbour Project” forward.
We have now a robust, viable business plan, in place, which has been independently appraised by the Strategic Investment Board for NI and received positive support. The preliminary de-risking phase has also been completed. This is a £35m project which is based around the vision of a much larger and more dynamic harbour, able to grasp the opportunities that exist in the fisheries and related industries. We hope to now move forward to the next phase, which includes the Environmental Impact Assessments, over the next few months.
The importance of the support received from the West of Morecambe Fisheries Fund cannot be over emphasised in helping this voluntary group in its aim of promoting a sustainable and viable fishing industry and community in Kilkeel.”
New Meeting Room in Portavogie
“Portavogie’s community was lacking a space that could be used by local fishermen as a meeting area to formally discuss local projects and initiatives. Ørsted’s help has given us a room where the community can come together and have access to modern business and presentation facilities, giving us a real “leg up” as we plan for a successful future.”
Funding for Northern Ireland’s Fishermen professional training
” On behalf of the five fishermen from the ports of Portavogie and Kilkeel, we at SFITA (NI) Ltd would like to pass on our gratitude to WOMF Ltd. It has been a pleasure to have been involved in facilitating a Class II Certificate of Competency (2nd Hand Full) for five young men from NI in conjunction with BIM in Greencastle. We are delighted to have been able to fully fund this course with the help of SEAFISH, DAERA and WOMF, and are grateful for the support provided via NIFPO and ANIFPO to enable the men to achieve this qualification. This is a fantastic opportunity for the men to progress their careers at sea. ”
Juanita Emerson, Training Manager SFITA (NI) Ltd (2017)
” I would like to express my thanks to WOMF ltd for agreeing to help support me in gaining my Class II qualification, which will help progress my career at sea. Their help is a real benefit to me at this time.” Matthew Donnan
” I am very grateful for the help provided by WOMF Ltd to allow me to sit my Class II (2nd Hand Full) Certificate. It is a great financial strain to undergo a course of study for this length of time, and all help is appreciated.” Rob Donnan
” I would like to extend my thanks to WOMF Ltd for their contribution towards my Class II COC. The support given enables me to further progress my ambition to gain this qualification.” Jack Coffey
” The generous offer of financial help made by WOMF is very much appreciated and gives me a great opportunity to gain a qualification that will help me enhance my skills as a fisherman” Andrew McConnell
“A big thanks to WOMF ltd for the support they are providing to help me in developing my skills and it is really appreciated.” Stephen McMurray
North Irish Fishermen undergoing professional vocational training (2017)
Funding for Northern Ireland’s Fishermen professional training
“The industry will greatly benefit from new entrant skippers in the profession and will help to ensure the fishing industry is sustainable with a number of aging skilled skippers needing to be replaced. It also opens up opportunities for new entrants to join the industry ensuring the industry has a future”
Hornsea Fishermen
” This back-up tractor alleviates the worry and pressures of a tractor breakdown, especially during the peak fishing season, when such a vehicle breakdown can result in significant losses to earnings. The tractors we all use are hard to come by, as they need to be mechanical in operation and have minimal electrics in order to withstand the harsh environment in which we launch and recover our fishing vessels.”
Andy Faichney, Hornsea Skipper and Fisherman (2017)
Funding for Heating system in Fishermen’s training facility and mission
Juanita Emerson, Sea Fish Industry Training Association (NI) Ltd (2017)
Cat Smith M.P.
“The West of Morecambe Fisheries Fund has provided much needed support to local fisherman. It is good to see industries that share our seas with fishermen supporting their work, and the communities they come from.”
The Greater Wash Fishing Industry Group
“We are a fishing community committed to sustainable fishing, so that our fish stocks remain viable, both now and for future generations. We welcome the financial support provided by the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd to our organisation. This support enables us to further progress our ambition of gaining the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) accreditation for our brown shrimp fisheries in the Greater Wash area.”
R/V Huntress (Holderness Fishing Industry Group)
“ This year, the West of Morecambe Fisheries company has been able to fund our survey of stocks of crabs and lobsters in the Westermost Rough wind farm. This funding massively helps to fill a potential gap in our data series that has been collected since before the wind farm was built. Fishermen in HFIG are always very interested to know about what we are catching during these surveys. It keeps the Huntress and crew busy during the summer months, as the survey runs continuously from June through to September.”
Wirral Fishermen
“We have now purchased the hiab trailer ready for the cockle season which is starting 1st July we are know up and running as agents for a processor also we have had a successful shrimp season with the new boat thanks again for giving us the chance to make this work it’s much appreciated thank you” Chris & Mike Triggs
“I can honestly say I would not have been able to fit the shop out without this grant” Keith Marland
“Thank you for helping sorting out the payment for the boat, and thank you for paying on time, you where a great help sorting out any problems and making sure it was done right” Stephen Hill
“Thanks again for all your help” John Wood
Wirral Fishermen (2017)
Whitehaven Fishermen’s Cooperative
“The donation provided through the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd is of enormous benefit to us as it provides an opportunity for us to purchase a larger refrigerated vehicle which allows us to send our catch further afield with the prospect of improved prices. The acquirement of a Fork Lift Truck is a most welcome addition and replaces our 12 year old truck for which we extremely grateful”
Ron Graham (2017) Chairman, Whitehaven Fishermen’s Cooperative
Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation
“These two new forklifts will be of real benefit to the fishermen of both Ardglass and Kilkeel. The Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation is grateful to the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd for the financial support towards their purchase”
Dick James (2017) (CEO) NIFPO
Holderness Fishing Industry Group Ltd, East Yorkshire
“This support from DONG Energy (now known as Ørsted), through the West of Morecambe Fisheries Company, has made it possible for me to join the HFIG team and to finally make their plans for a lobster hatchery and research facility a reality. Thanks to this funding, we have been able to take the final steps needed to begin an ambitious programme of research and stock enhancement projects that will make a positive difference to the future sustainability of the Holderness fishery”.
Dr John Terschak (2016) Holderness Fishing Industry Group, East Yorkshire
B & M Fishing LLP (Fleetwood)
“B & M Fishing LLP would like to take this opportunity to thank the wind farms for their contribution to us … and we appreciate the good communication”
Anne Bynham (2016) Director, B & M Fishing LLP, Fleetwood
N.F.F.O. , Fishing Industry Representative (Irish Sea)
” I have personally witnessed WOMF at work, here in the Irish Sea. It has funded a series of very worthwhile projects that continue to benefit the fishing industry and has helped forge constructive relationships with the developers of Offshore Wind Farms in the region. The feedback that I get from fishermen is very positive and I would like to see this continuing on into the future”
Tom Watson (2016) NFFO, Irish Sea Fishing Industry Representative
Sea Source – A.N.I.F.P.O. (Kilkeel)
“Yet again the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd has provided our fishermen with a significant dividend, this time in the shape of modern transport that will facilitate frequent and reliable delivery of the freshest seafood to our customers all around Northern Ireland. As we continue to strive towards maximising the value of the sustainable harvest from the Irish Sea, the West of Morecambe Ltd is helping to ensure the development of an economically viable fishing industry that will be of direct benefit to all fishermen operating in the area.”
Alan McCulla OBE (2016) Chief Executive of ANIFPO/Sea-Source
Fleetwood under 10’s
” A big thank you from the Fleetwood under 10’s for our recent funding from the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd. We have now purchased our liferafts, McMurdo fast find EPIRBS and our insulated fish boxes. We will shortly be purchasing our landing winch”
Steve Newsham (2015) Fleetwood under 10’s
JA Graham (Shellfish Merchants) Cumbria
” We would like to express our thanks to West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd for the partial award to assist us with the purchase of a refrigerated vehicle. This will enable shellfish purchased along the west coast of Cumbria to be transported at the correct temperature”
Gillian Graham (2015) JA Graham, Seasacle, Cumbria
A.N.I.F.P.O. – Sea Source
“Fishermen’s catches will not be getting any bigger in the forseeable future, so it is vital we maximise the value of our landings. Thanks to the West of Morecambe Fisheries Fund, the delivery of Sea-Source’s packaging machine will allow us to start retail sales of the best Irish Sea fish and shellfish, thus helping to maximise the economic return to local fishermen”
Alan McCulla OBE (2015) CEO, A.N.I.F.P.O., Kilkeel, Co. Down
Sea Source (Offshore) Ltd
“Sea Source would like to thank the West of Morecambe Fisheries for their financial support. This support will help fishermen to diversify and help sustain the local fishing community. Northern Ireland fishermen are fully supportive of the fund and wish to see it continue”
Davey Hill (2015) Offshore Manager, Sea Source (Offshore) Ltd
Morecambe and Heysham Fishermen’s Association
“On behalf of the 14 fishermen whom will benefit gratefully from the donation for the purchase of M.O.B. safety devices and insulated boxes, I wish to pass onto the West of Morecambe Ltd, a huge thank you for making their working environment a safer and more hygienic place”
Trevor Owen (2015) Morecambe and Heysham Fishermen’s Association
Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation
“Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation is grateful to the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd for the support they are providing to help Irish Sea fishermen develop and reinforce their skills and qualifications, which will enhance the links between the fishing and offshore renewable industries”.
Judith Farrell (2015) NIFPO – Kilkeel
National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (N.F.F.O.)
” The West of Morecambe Fisheries Fund is demonstrating an exemplary approach of how marine developers can work together with existing fishing communities. The fund is helping to transform what may initially and understandably be seen as source of anguish and a potential threat by local fishing communities into something that helps to foster positive relationships and provide much needed support to fishermen so they can maintain and improve their businesses. It offers an important contribution to achieving co-existence between two industries operating in the same marine space.”
Dale Rodmell (2014) (Assistant Chief Executive) NFFO
Maryport Fishing Company Ltd
” We would like to thank West of Morecambe Fisheries for the award towards the purchase of a new ice machine and chiller. This will help the local fishing community to keep and improve the quality of their catch”
John McAvoy (2014) (Director) Maryport Fishing Company Ltd.
Whitehaven Fishermen’s Co-operative Ltd
” We would wish to place on record our sincere thanks for the vision and confidence displayed by the developers in agreeing to our application . This generous offer of financial support by the West of Morecambe Fisheries will be of real benefit for fishermen fuelling up at Whitehaven harbour. The positive response by the West of Morecambe developers to our application to the fund is testament to the belief that wind farm operators and fishing communities can work together “
Ron Graham (2014). Whitehaven Fishermen’s Co-operative (Director), Chairman of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations NW committee.
Holderness Fishing Industry Group Ltd
” The Holderness Fishing Industry Group is grateful for the support received from West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd for our ongoing programme of fisheries research. HFIG represents fishermen, merchants and processors on East Yorkshire’s Holderness Coast. The data we collect on the status of the region’s valuable crab and lobster stocks is vital in ensuring the future success and sustainability of the biggest crustacean fishery in the UK and protecting the hundreds of livelihoods that depend on it. Our research is conducted from our dedicated survey vessel MV Huntress – a unique venture, owned and operated entirely by HFIG and crewed by a mix of professional scientists and experienced fishermen.”
Mike Cohen (2014) (CEO) Holderness Fishing Industry Group Ltd.
Barrow and Furness Fishermen’s Association
” The Barrow and Furness Fishermen’s Association was very kindly supported with a grant from the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd. The grant covered 50% of the cost of a new ice plant at our base near the Dock Museum in Barrow in Furness, which is utilised by the local fleet. Support from the MMO and the EFF secured the balance of funding (50%). The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO), through a Trust Fund Grant made a further contribution to the project.
A number of boats operate from Barrow, mooring up at the back of the Dock Museum. The fishermen’s catch is shipped off to be sold in Fleetwood when it arrives on land and has to be transported to Fleetwood Fish Market. The fishermen had to buy ice to keep it fresh during the fishing and transportation process. This was an uneconomical procedure, which was reliant on an outside third party. With the installation of the new ice plant (which also acts as a refrigeration unit), approximately 750kg of ice can be produced per day thereby reducing the risk of loss of catch. This also has an addition benefit that the association and its members are compliant with Food Hygiene regulations.
This process has had a huge impact on the local fishing industry, ensuring that catches are kept cool and fresh whilst being transported to Fleetwood. Currently the Association has ten members, but with the improved facility there are opportunities to recruit more members who in the long term will have a positive outcome for the association and for the local economy. Without the support of WOMF Ltd, the Association and its members would not be able to move forward and the impact of increased costs, loss of income and less members, would have had a negative impact on the association.
We would like to once again thank the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd for the support given us and hope that we could all work together in the future regarding funding and further projects that are beneficial to the fishing fleet.”
Gary Pidduck (2014) Secretary of the Barrow and Furness Fishermen’s Association