Members

The voice of fishermen across south west England and beyond.

Member login

Login to your SWFPO account to get exclusive members-only access to guidance, advice and other benefits.

Members

The voice of fishermen across south west England and beyond.

Member login

Login to your SWFPO account to get exclusive members-only access to guidance, advice and other benefits.

SWFPO is the professional body for fisherman operating across the south west of England and beyond. We are their voice.

Our members are at the forefront of the commercial fishing industry and our job is to represent them at the highest level, regionally, nationally and internationally. Working in partnership with them to secure the best conditions for profitable and sustainable fishing.

We provide advice, information and guidance so members are abreast of latest policy, the impact of regulations, and understand quota and non-quota management. We also help our fleets recruit, train and retain the best crews to build their resilience.

By protecting the interests and livelihoods of our fisherman, SWFPO helps get outstanding seafood to market. Supporting sustainable fishing practices that maintain both the health of our industry and our oceans.

Member benefits

An SWFPO membership offers commercial fisherman operating across the south west of England and beyond exclusive access to a wide range of benefits.

Resource management​

We manage our members quotas on their behalf, regularly monitoring quota uptake to identify shortfalls and facilitating member quota trading swaps within the PO and beyond. We also monitor landings of valuable non-quota species.

Careers and recruitment​

We help you recruit and retain the best fishermen. We provide support on all aspects of crew training and safety, and are developing a brand new Fishermen Apprenticeship with South Devon College.

Information and guidance​

We distribute regular bulletins and newsletters to our members containing latest legislation, policy guidance, news and more. Everything you need to support your operations.

Advocacy and lobbying

We sit on a number of boards, committees and management groups to represent members’ interests at the highest level. We also proactively manage your reputation and that of the wider commercial fishing industry.

Our membership profile

SWFPO fleet by gear type

Landing ports by value of SWFPO members, 2021

27%

of UK King scallop landings (by weight) attributed to SWFPO vessels

62%

of UK queen scallop landings (by weight) attributed to SWFPO vessels

10%

of UK sole landings (by weight) attributed to SWFPO vessels

25%

of UK cuttlefish landings (by weight) attributed to SWFPO vessels

Featured Members

Macduff Shellfish Ltd

Macduff Shellfish Ltd is the largest shellfish processor in Europe, focusing on four main species: brown crab, whelk, langoustine and King scallops. It owns a large processing facility in Aberdeenshire and a smaller operation in Stornoway in the Western Isles. This vertically integrated business, owns and operates a fleet of 7 large scallop vessels. Macduff Shellfish has been a member of the SWFPO for 6 years. Over that time their fleet fish entirely in the offshore areas of the English Channel and North Sea. Macduff currently holds two seats on the SWFPO committee and are represented by Andrew Brown, the Director of Sustainability and Public Affairs at Macduff, and Claire Pescod, the Head of Science and Sustainability. Both bring expertise and insights from Government, markets, research and Marine Stewardship Council.

West Coast Sea Products

West Coast Sea Products was founded in 1968 by lobster fisherman Mr John King Snr. Equipped with his knowledge of fishing King and Queen scallops in the Irish Sea, the company grew remarkably under his direction and continues to expand under the direction of his son and grandchildren. This family run business is now involved in catching and processing King and Queen scallops from around the British Isles, employing over 30 fishermen across their fleet of fishing vessels, and 100 factory staff. 4 vessels targeting King and Queen scallops are currently in membership of the SWFPO.

Coombe Fisheries Ltd

Coombe Fisheries Ltd is a vertically integrated business based in the South West of England, established in 1980. They handle and process cuttlefish, King scallops, whelks and sprats bought daily from local markets, destined for markets throughout Europe and the Far East. The company currently employs around 140 staff at its factory in Barnstaple and own and operate 2 vessels in membership of the SWFPO and are in partnership with another 3 vessels – collectively employing around 20 fishermen. https://www.coombefish.co.uk/

Get in touch

We are your voice and we want to hear from you.

We welcome your questions and concerns at any time, as well as your suggestions on what we can do to effectively support your work and grow your business.