The closure of the Plymouth wholesale fish market in 2024 has had a significant impact on Polperro’s fishing industry. The Plymouth market previously operated a collection service for fish landed at other ports—including Polperro—and included these catches in the auctions.
Following the closure, this collection service ceased. As a result, larger vessels could no longer land their catch in Polperro. While smaller boats continue to operate locally, selling their fish locally, our last remaining trawler, Rebecca V, had to land at Plymouth for onward transportation to Brixham.
There were hopes that efforts to reopen the Plymouth market would succeed, but to date, no progress has been made. The resumption of a collection service for smaller ports now appears increasingly unlikely.
Faced with this challenge, we decided to take matters into our own hands. The Trust has purchased a refrigerated van. This allows Rebecca V to return to the harbour, with her catch transported directly to a local distribution depot.
The fishing industry continues to face incredibly tough conditions, but the Trustees are committed to supporting local boats and ensuring that Polperro remains a working commercial port. We hope that you agree with this initiative. The village has been a fishing community for over 700 years, and we are determined to preserve that legacy.
This important purchase would not have been possible without financial support from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The Trust has also made a significant investment in this specialist vehicle.
You can support local fishing by visiting Kitty’s seafood stall on the Fish Market quay, where Jacqui often sells shellfish landed here in Polperro.
The Trust is run entirely by volunteers and receives no public funding. If you are able to support our Pier Appeal, your donation will help us continue funding vital initiatives like this one. You can find details here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/polperro-prince-of-wales-pier-repairs
