Programme for local fishermen

Life Cell Marine Safety has been included in a new initiative aiming to support local fishermen operating from coastal locations between Hartlepool and Saltburn by the Sea, who have traditionally used the fishing grounds in and around the windfarm.

The new programme, developed by EDF Energy Renewables, aims provide essential safety equipment for personnel and vessels in line with the Marine and Coastguard Agency for fishing vessel operators. James Wilson, local fishing liaison officer with EDF Energy Renewables, said: “Our aim has always been to ensure that the windfarm can co-exist safely and effectively with local fishing activities. We have maintained close contact with the local fishermen at all stages of the project and we are delighted to be able to provide support for this very important local activity and community. The dedicated new fishing support programme will provide targeted assistance for specific fishing activity needs and will hopefully provide a positive contribution to the activities of local fishing groups and individual operators.”

The scheme will provide Life Cell models to local fishermen, ensuring they have essential safety equipment in a readily accessible location in the event of an emergency. The Life Cell is used as a flotation device, which can float free or be easily removed from a vessel. The bonus is that it can also be safely and easily removed after each day’s fishing to reduce the possibility of theft of essential safety equipment.