The AGM of the St. Helena Fishermens Association took place at the Pilling Middle School on Thursday, 18 June 2009 at 6.30 p.m. Only 12 members were present which included five members of the executive committee which was disappointing – there were two apologies from invitees. The Senior Fisheries Officer was also in attendance.
The meeting started with prayers remembering former members and families who had passed away recently.
This was followed by confirmation of last year’s minutes and matters arising. The Chairman then gave a brief rundown of the activities of the Executive Committee over the past year with his 24 topic report and thanked members for their support. The major topics discussed were Fuel Subsidies, Fish Purchase Prices, Procurement of Flares, the Grouper Fishery, Lister Petter Spares Holding and Apprenticeship for Young
Fishermen. The accounts for the report year were presented with the Balance Sheet showing the net worth of the Association at the 31 March 2008 as £47,471.58.
Dissolution of the committee followed with the same committee being re-elected en bloc:
Chairman – Trevor Thomas
Secretary – Terry Richards
Treasurer – Peter Benjamin
Boat Owners Rep – Fred Johnson
Fishermens Rep – Waylon Thomas

Further discussion took place on the Grouper Fishery following the receipt of the preliminary report from the two scientists who visited the island about two years ago – their final report is still awaited but they recommended that the island continue to institute management control over the stock, therefore it was agreed to
continue with the 36 tonnes quota set previously – the current balance of the stock would be shared equally between the 10 full-time boats at 2 tonnes per boat with effect from 1 July and would be non-transferable.
Other topics discussed in Any Other Business were the upcoming Fishing Competition on 28 June, the amount of fish dying, landing at Flat Rock, the workshop and boat shed at the wharf.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.10 p.m.

Related Information

Click here to read Past News articles

Fishermen's Assoication

News - July 2008 - Annual Fishing Competition

Newsletter 6 August 2004

Newsletter 2 May 2003