Project Developments

Despite huge public interest in fish and commercial fishing, there is very little immediate information available about this fascinating industry in Cornwall or elsewhere in the UK. This project sets out to help fill this gap and create a unique aquarium and exhibition centre, taking an innovative and balanced look at the past, present and future of the local fishing industry. As well as an aquarium displaying the fascinating variety of species passing through Newlyn Fish Market, it will also include a hatchery and research facility and an oceanographic section containing the original recording apparatus responsible for Newlyn Chart Datum.

Newlyn is currently on the brink of pushing forward ambitious plans to develop its fishing infrastructure in order to maintain its viability as a major fishing port until well into the future. This project fulfils a number of objectives within the overall strategy and will therefore form a key part of this regeneration scheme. The lack of information on the fishing industry available to the general public has been identified as a major concern by Invest in Fish South West and with over 21,000 people attending the annual Newlyn Fish Festival in one day alone, the interest amongst locals and visitors alike is plain to see! In addition to helping improve public perception of the fishing industry, it would also help promote locally-caught fish as a healthy and sustainable source of food.

There is universal support for the project from local schools, particularly with local heritage playing an increasingly important role in the National Curriculum. In a random poll of the general public made up of approximately half visitors and half locals, 88% stated they would “definitely” or “very likely” pay an average of £4.88 to visit the centre. The project has already been promised direct support by the Sea Fish Industry, CEFAS, Marine Biological Association, Proudman Oceanographic Institute, Ordnance Survey, Invest in Fish SW and Cornwall County Council’s ‘A Sense of Place’.

It will exist as a non-profit making limited company, overseen by a board of trustees drawn from a range of different backgrounds to provide the sufficient vision, skills and experience needed for success of the project. With its unique focus and a lack of any direct competition, the project would not only lend itself to innovative targeted marketing, but would also pay for itself through visitor revenue. The whole project will cost around £1.3 million, with the initial capital costs being sought from a variety of funding sources.

Comments/suggestions can be sent to David Conington, 8 Antoine Close, Chywoone Hill, Newlyn, Penzance TR18 5AJ, or e-mail coningtond@tiscali.co.uk