About WFA-CPC

Created by fishermen for the wider fishing communities in Wales, the Welsh Fishermen’s Association - Cymdeithas Pysgotwyr Cymru (WFA-CPC) is committed to ensuring a profitable and sustainable fishing industry that helps coastal communities to prosper and our unique marine environment to flourish.

Recognised as the national body representing the interests of the fishing industry in Wales, the WFA-CPC is managed by a board of directors from five regional associations whose members range from inshore static gear fishermen to offshore scallop, trawler and whelk fishermen. The associations are:

• South & West Wales Fishing Communities Ltd
• Cardigan Bay Fisherman’s Association Ltd
• Llyn Pot Fishermen’s Association
• Llyn Fisherman’s Association
• North Wales Fishermen’s Co-Operative

Jim Evans (WFA-CPC Chairman) acknowledges the support of the constituent associations “the fundamental pillars of the WFA-CPC are the member associations that ensure regional and sectoral differences are captured and supported within our representations and initiatives on behalf of Welsh fishermen. We recognise that there are many challenges ahead, but we remain optimistic that these challenges can be met by continuing to work pro-actively from the bottom-up. I am grateful to the WFA-CPC members for their vision, unity and forethought; these strengths have and will continue to underpin our efforts to future proof fisheries in Wales creating a sustainable legacy for future generations of Welsh fishermen and women”.

Our Vision

A prosperous and sustainable fishing industry that supports the economic, social and cultural well-being of our coastal communities.

Our Aim

To ensure sustainable fisheries that support well-being and future generations of Welsh coastal communities.

Our Objectives

• To maintain access to fishing grounds by providing socio-economic, fishery activity and environmental evidence to inform marine policy, management decisions that are consistent with the principles of sustainable development.
• To ensure fisheries are sustainable by working with Welsh Government and Welsh universities to collect fish and shellfish data and to engage with fisheries management groups to ensure policies, regulations and management are appropriate and proportionate in accordance with the Environment (Wales) Act 2016
• To improve the resilience of the Welsh seafood primary producing sectors by promoting the consumption of Welsh seafood as a healthy, sustainable and responsibly sourced product.
• To encourage new entrants into fishing by creating opportunities with Seafish, Welsh colleges and training providers to offer vocational courses, organise work experience and identify business opportunities and needs.
• To promote an evidence-led based approach to the management of the marine environment by working with Natural Resource Wales (NRW) and Welsh Government to identify where and what type of fishing activities are compatible with marine conservation objectives.
• To increase seafood consumption in Wales by working with Seafish, Cywain and schools to introduce children to the health benefit and enjoyment of consuming seafood.
• To co-exist with other marine industries by minimising spatial conflict at the earliest opportunity and identify potential work for fishermen such as seabed surveying, wildlife monitoring and guardship duty.
• To work with technology providers to develop innovative solutions to electronic data collection, reporting and control methods that promote real-time monitoring and data collection.