The Minister undertook a full fisheries programme at Newlyn starting with an early morning visit to the Fish Market before going on to tour the quay and visit a beam trawler. He had the opportunity to meet with fisherman and fisheries leaders to discuss issues facing the industry and heard about the work of the Marine Fisheries Association, and the regeneration of Newlyn Harbour.
Mr. Shaw also inspected and was briefed on the work of the Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee patrol boat. He then visited Penzance harbour where he met local charter boat skippers/sea anglers to discuss how new proposals would benefit their sport and the marine environment.
Whilst in Cornwall the minister also accepted an invitation from Matthew Taylor, Lib- Dem MP for Truro and St Austell, who organised a discussion with stakeholders in Cornwall concerning affordable housing at Heligan near Mevagissey.
The Minister also spent time with the Country Land and Business Ass looking at the issues around the proposed Coastal Access legislation, starting on the North Cornwall coast and concluding at Burgh Island off Bigbury Bay, South Devon.
Mr Shaw went on to visit the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science in Plymouth where he toured the laboratory and workshops, whilst being briefed on their plankton research. The organisation began its survey of plankton in 1931, which is the largest and most geographically extensive survey in the world covering the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern oceans. The Foundations plays an important role in the ongoing research in to global climate change.
Before returning to London the Minister attended a conference organised by Defra on the 'Consultation on responsibility and cost sharing for Animal Health and Welfare - next steps'.
