Stephen Long, owner and skipper of MFV Morel Margh' has been awarded an Objective One Fisheries Grant of over £1000 towards his project to insulate the fishroom aboard his vessel. The new fishroom will ensure fish quality and hygiene levels are of the highest standard possible. The grant aid comes from the EU and Marine and Fisheries Agency.

Mr Long and his crew fish for scallops off Newlyn and the Isles of Scilly during the summer, and trawl in the winter months. The new fish room, fitted by Gaffers and Luggers boatyard (Falmouth), enables the fishermen to stay away at sea for up to three days, allowing them to fish less pressured areas, as well as reducing time and effort spent on fishing. Having an insulated fishroom ensures Mr Long's catch is always kept at the highest quality and cuts his ice and diesel costs. As a result of this project, Mr Long is now in the process of gaining accreditation with Responsible Fishing' from Seafish, as the newly insulated fishroom now exceeds the required industry standards.

Stephen, skipper of the Morel Margh said: "Insulation of the fish room has enabled us to obtain the best price at market, without increasing our fishing effort, because the product is kept chilled."

Nicky Harrison, Objective One Fisheries Project Officer said: "Steven is one of a number of fishermen who has received grant aid for a fishroom on their vessel. Projects that maximise the quality of landed fish are a high priority of the Objective One Fisheries Task Force."