Latest News
October 2020 - WOMF has ceased operations
In October 2020, WOMF has ceased operations. This is due to the retirement of its founder and sole director, Dr Andy Revill. We have left the WOMF website operational at the request of the OWF donors, as an example of good practice that helped the co-existence of both the Fishing and Offshore Wind industries.
02 December 2018 - Call for proposals has now closed
The latest ‘Call for Proposals’ for the Walney Extension OWF Fishing Community Fund has now closed. We aim to evaluate all of the proposals received as soon as possible in December 2018.
01 September 2018 - Fund for Fishing Community projects has now re-opened
The Walney Extension OWF fund has re-opened and is available to finance Community Projects for the Fishing Communities affected by this offshore wind farm. Approximately, £111,000 remains in the fund and is available for Fishing Community Projects. Applications to the fund can be made from the 1st September 2018 until the 30th November 2018, after which time the fund will close. Applications Forms to the fund can be obtained only by downloading from the link here. It is our aim to have all applications evaluated during December 2018.
11 April 2018 - Update to Privacy Policy
Our Privacy Policy has been updated to comply with the latest regulations. This policy can viewed by this link or by the link at the foot of each page on this website.
09 April 2018 - Nine new Fishing Community Projects to receive funding in the Irish Sea
The West of Morecambe Fisheries Company (WOMF) is happy to announce that nine new Fishing Community Projects are to receive funding from WOMF in April 2018. The Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm, in recognition of the good cooperation they have received from the Irish Sea fishing Communities, has voluntarily donated the funds to WOMF. Funding totalling around £187,000 is to be provided by WOMF to fund Fishing Community Projects in the ports of Fleetwood, Morecambe and Heysham, Barrow in Furness, Whitehaven, Maryport, Kilkeel and Portavogie. These nine Fishing Community Projects have also attracted £337,000 of additional funding from other sources.
Details of the projects can be seen on this website (see Community Projects 2018) and include;
- Building repairs and a new shower facility for the Fleetwood Fishermen’s Mission
- Life-saving safety equipment for the Morecambe and Heysham Fishermen’s Association
- A community shellfish storage tank for the inshore fishermen of Fleetwood
- Solar panels to reduce electrical running costs of the Maryport Fishing Company’s fish landing facility
- A dockside crane and winch for fishermen of the Barrow in Furness
- Building upgrades and renovation for the Seafish Industry Training Association in Portavogie
- New fish processing equipment for the Sea Source plant in Kilkeel
- Equipment to improve the fish landing and handling facilities in Whitehaven
- Funds towards a major refurbishment of the Whitehaven fish quay facilities
A further call for Fishing Community Projects is planned for later in 2018 (Sept-Nov).
06 March 2018 - "Call for Proposals" has now closed
The recent “Call for Proposals” for the Walney Extension OWF Fishing Community Fund is now closed. We will aim to have the full evaluation of the applications received completed during March 2018.
01 January 2018 - Fishing Community Project fund is now open
The £300,000 Walney Extension OWF Fishing Community Fund is now open to applications for fishing community projects. Application forms can be downloaded from this link. The fund will remain open until 28 February 2018.
14 November 2017 - New £300,000 fund to open 01 January 2018
A new Fund totalling £300,000 is to be available to finance fishing community projects for Irish Sea fishing communities operating in and around the Walney Extension offshore wind farm. The fund opens for applications from 1st January 2018. Further details can be obtained from the download icon.
14 November 2017 - Important Terms and Conditions for the Walney Extension OWF Fishing Community Fund
Important Terms and Conditions will be in effect for all applicants to the new Walney extension OWF Fishing Community Fund. These can be viewed via this link.
08 October 2017 - DONG Energy is changing it’s name to Ørsted
As of 6 November 2017, DONG Energy becomes Ørsted, named after the Danish scientist Hans Christian Ørsted. In 1820, he discovered electromagnetism, a fundamental of physics that is central to how electricity is generated by offshore wind turbines.
01 July 2017 - Cat Smith MP (Lancaster and Fleetwood) gives positive endorsement for West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd
“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.” Cat Smith MP.
01 July 2017 - The Westermost Rough Fishing Community Fund is once again open to applications
The Westermost Rough Fishing Community Fund is once again open to applications for members of the Holderness Fishing Industry Group, East Yorkshire. Application forms and instructions can be downloaded from here and the closing date for all applications is the 28 August 2017.
25 June 2017 - R/V Huntress awarded funding to undertake field research on lobster and crabs stocks
The R/V Huntress, which is owned by the Holderness Fishing Industry Group, were awarded funds to continue to gather field data on the crustacean stocks (lobster and crabs) in and around the Westermost Rough offshore wind farm.
31 May 2017 - Statement of support from the Greater Wash Fishing Industry Group
The Greater Wash Fishing Industry Group were awarded funds to help finance their brown shrimp fishery undergo an assessment to achieve a sustainability accreditation by the Marine Stewardship Council.
12 April 2017 - The Whtehaven Fishermens Cooperative were awarded funds
The Whtehaven Fishermens Cooperative were awarded funds to purchase a large refrigerated vehicle for fish transport. The Whitehaven fishermen were also awarded funds to replace an old forklift truck with a new one. Ron Graham, chairman of the Cooperative, issued a statement of thanks.
25 March 2017 - N.I.F.P.O isssued a statement of thanks
Dick James (CEO) of N.I.F.P.O. (Northern Irish Fish Producers Organisation isssued a statement of thanks to WOMF Ltd and DONG Energy for the financial support received to help purchase two new forklift trucks for the the ports of Ardglass and Kilkeel.
09 March 2017 - Ørsted donates £300,000
Ørsted (Walney Extension OWF) has just announced their intention to donate £300,000 for Fishing Community Projects for East Irish Sea fishermen. The fund will be managed by the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd.
02 September 2016 - The Westermost Rough Fisheries Community Fund has closed
The Westermost Rough Fisheries Community Fund has closed to applications. We are currently evaluating the proposals for funding and will announce the results of this evaluation process shortly.
23 June 2016 - Fund deadline for applications has been extended
The Westermost Rough Fisheries Community Fund deadline for applications has been extended until 28 August 2016.
15 June 2016 - Fund is now open to applications
The Westermost Rough Fisheries Community Fund is now open to applications and will remain open until 07 August 2016.
04 April 2016 - A statement of thanks and support to the donors
Anne Bynham (Director) B & M Fishing LLP, Fleetwood issued a statement of thanks and support to the donor offshore wind farms supporting the West of Morecambe Fisheries initiative.
21 March 2016 - A strong statement of support for the West of Morecambe Fisheries initiative
Tom Watson (NFFO, Fishing Industry Representative for the Irish Sea region) issued a strong statement of support for the West of Morecambe Fisheries initiative.
21 March 2016 - Fishing Community award
Details of a Fishing Community award which could ultimately benefit a wide range of Irish Sea fishermen has been published on the West of Morecambe Fisheries website.
07 March 2016 - Fishing Community award to the Whelk fishermen of Fleetwood
Details of a Fishing Community award to the Whelk fishermen of Fleetwood has been published on the West of Morecambe Fisheries website.
20 January 2014 - Whitehaven Fishermens Cooperative Ltd were awarded a donation
Whitehaven Fishermens Cooperative Ltd were awarded a donation from West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd to support the operation of a vessel fuelling facility, operated by the Co-operative in Whitehaven harbour. This facility is of potential benefit to the Whitehaven fishermen and other visiting fishermen.
07 March 2016 - Funds awarded to Wirral fishermen (Merseyside)
Wirral fishermen (Merseyside) were awarded funds for Community project(s).
29 Jan 2016 - New refrigerated van for Sea Source
Sea Source /Anglo North Irish Fish Producer Organisation have purchased a new refrigerated VW van. The van was part funded by West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd.
04 October 2015 - The East Irish Sea fund has now closed
The East Irish Sea fund has now closed to applications for 2015. Applications will be reviewed by our established process during the next couple of months.
01 August 2015 - The East Irish Sea fund is open
The East Irish Sea fund is open to applications until 30 September 2015.
06 July 2015 - Four projects funded in Kilkeel
New photographs posted which were taken in Kilkeel in June 2015. These pictures depict the four projects funded in the port by West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd in 2015. Fishing Community Project.
05 July 2015 - Trips aboard the RV Huntress off the Yorkshire coast
New photographs posted from two trips aboard the RV Huntress off the Yorkshire coast. The RV Huntress is owned and operated by the Holderness coast fishermen who are conducting joint research with DONG Energy to better understand the effects of the Westermost Rough OWF upon local crab and lobster stocks.
18 Dec 2014 - Financial support for Sea Source
Alan McCulla OBE from A.N.I.F.P.O. – Sea Source issued a statement of thanks to the West of Morecambe fisheries for the financial support towards their Fishing Community Project.
17 Dec 2014 - statement of thanks from JA Graham (Shellfish Merchants)
JA Graham (Shellfish Merchants) based in Seascale, Cumbria, issued a statement of thanks for the financial support received for their Fisheries Community Project.
17 Dec 2014 - Sea Source issued a statement of support
Sea Source (Offshore) Ltd, who are a subsidiary of the Anglo North Irish Fishermen’s Producer Organisation, issued a statement of support for the funding they received for their Fisheries Community Project.
15 Dec 2014 - A letter of thanks to WOMF Ltd
Morecambe and Heysham Fishermen’s Association issued a letter of thanks to WOMF Ltd for the funding they received for their Fisheries Community Project.
09 Dec 2014 - A statement of thanks from Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation
Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation issued a statement of thanks to WOMF Ltd, for the funding they received for their Fisheries Community Project.
09 Dec 2014 - Seven new community projects
Seven new community projects have been awarded funding from the latest round of applications made to the WOMF (East Irish Sea) fund.
01 October 2014 - The WOMF (East Irish Sea) fund is now closed
The WOMF (East Irish Sea) fund is now closed to applications. We are evaluating the proposals we have received during this funding round.
25 July 2014 - WOMF fund has been opened up again
WOMF (East Irish Sea) fund has been opened up again to applications for funding. The closing date for applications is 30th September 2014. Terms and Conditions apply.
24 July 2014 - Barrow in Furness new photographs
New photographs from Barrow in Furness, Whitehaven and Maryport added to website.
28 May 2014 - Strong statement of support
The Barrow and Furness Fishermen’s Association issued a strong statement of support for the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd.
07 May 2014 - Three Fishing Community projects
Some further details on three Fishing Community projects have been added to the website.
09 April 2014 - The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations support
The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) issued a strong statement of support for the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd and for the co-existence of the offshore wind energy and commercial fishing industries that it supports.
23 March 2014 - Dr Andy Revill has been invited to speak at a meeting
Dr Andy Revill (Director of West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd) has been invited to speak at a meeting of the Crown Estates FLOWW group in 08 April 2014 about the company and its successes.
22 March 2014 - A statement of support for West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd
Holderness Fishing Industry Group issued a statement of support for West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd.
18 March 2014 - Ready to order a new ice plant
Barrow and Furness Fishermens Association report they are ready to order a new ice plant for their members. The purchase of the ice plant was supported with a donation from West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd.
01 March 2014 - New ice plant and chiller unit delivered
Maryport Fishing Company Ltd reported that the new ice plant and chiller unit (supported by a donation from West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd) will be delivered to Maryport from Germany in April 2014.
16 February 2014 - Funding awarded to Holderness Fishing Industry Group
Holderness Fishing Industry Group were awarded funding to support the operation of their research vessel (MV Huntress).
14 Feb 2014 - A statement of support for West of Morecambe Fisheries
Maryport Fishing Company Ltd issued a statement of support for West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd.
01 February 2014 - A donation for Maryport Fishing Company Ltd
Maryport Fishing Company Ltd were awarded a donation from the West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd to support the purchase of a new ice plant and chiller unit. These units will benefit the Maryport fishing community and visiting fishermen to the port.
28 Jan 2014 - A statement of support for West of Morecambe Fisheries
Whitehaven Fishermens Cooperative Ltd issued a statement of support for West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd.
20 January 2014 - Whitehaven Fishermens Cooperative Ltd were awarded a donation
Whitehaven Fishermens Cooperative Ltd were awarded a donation from West of Morecambe Fisheries Ltd to support the operation of a vessel fuelling facility, operated by the Co-operative in Whitehaven harbour. This facility is of potential benefit to the Whitehaven fishermen and other visiting fishermen.