It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of fishing as a profession to a wider audience and to remember those who have lost their lives at sea. For those living and working in local fishing communities it is hoped that this will become an annual focal point for remembrance and connection with the national fishing industry. This period of remembrance will also provide an opportunity to focus on initiatives aimed at improving safety in commercial fishing.
Statistically fishing is one of the most dangerous professions in the UK with 11,000 people working on fishing vessels in a harsh and unpredictable environment to bring ashore much needed seafood.
Many fishing harbours have suffered tragedies and this National Fishing Remembrance Day will recognise and honour the loss of life. It is important to manage those same risks today. Safety management systems and improvements to working practices are key to keeping people safe and families and communities together.
‘Our fishermen not only help to feed the nation, but are at the heart of communities around our coastline. National Fishing Remembrance Day will give loved ones, coastal communities and the wider public a chance to commemorate the lives lost at sea and pay tribute to their valuable service.
The bravery of fishermen and the hard labour they endure day to day must not go unrecognised, and while we take this moment to pause and remember those who have been lost, it’s important that we continue to work to improve the safety of those working at sea so fewer families have to go through such distress in the future.’
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer
