Searching for “the cod’s pollocks”

THE public are being asked to put forward their nominations for an awards programme which aims to honour the best fishermen in the UK and Ireland.

The deadline for nominations, which cover 12 categories – including ‘Young Fisherman of the Year’, ‘Shellfish Fisherman of the Year’ and ‘The Fisherman’s Lifetime Achievement Award’ – is March 25.

The awards are free to enter and fishermen and their families are being asked to nominate either themselves or their friends and loved ones. Fishing remains one of the most dangerous professions in the UK and the awards aim to show the nation’s appreciation for the men and women risking their lives to put food on our plates.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Aberdeen on 26 May, the evening before the popular Aberdeen Fishing Expo, and will be hosted by Sunday Brunch co-presenter Simon Rimmer. Simon is a professional chef and restaurateur, and is chef patron of two award-winning restaurants in Manchester.

About his involvement in the awards, Simon said: “In the UK we catch something like 60 different species of fish and are renowned worldwide for the wonderful quality and selection of seafood found in our waters. And that’s because of the diversity of our fishing fleet. We have big boats, small boats, beach-launched vessels and ocean-going vessels all working in all weather.

“It’s only right that we celebrate these heroes of the sea and recognise the difficult and often dangerous conditions they face in order to put that delicious seafood on our plates.”

David Linkie, Editor of Fishing News, which is running the awards, said: “Fishing is a way of life, often continuing through the generations, but the daily risks that our fishermen face should never be underestimated. Knowing that they are providing the best quality fish and seafood is reward in itself, but we feel that they deserve further recognition. This is precisely why Fishing News is hosting these awards; to celebrate the endeavour, determination and gritty commitment of those involved in the UK’s fishing industry over the past year.”

To see the full list of categories and enter a nomination for the Fishing News Awards, hopefuls can visit www.fishingnewsawards.co.uk and complete the online entry form.