The official opening of the Mayflower Pontoons, an extension to the Barbican Landing Stage facilities, has been celebrated by the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.
Chief executive and harbour master Captain Richard Allan said:
“It is fantastic to see this aspiration of facilities for licensed charter vessels and recreational anglers delivered for them.
“We are grateful to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for support with our bid to the Fisheries and Seafood Support fund. Without these funds, this project and expansion could not have gone ahead at this time”.
The Mayflower Pontoons, three new pontoons connected to the Barbican Landing Stage, provides over 60 metres of additional mooring space. Equipped with shore power and mains water they will provide a dedicated area for pick up and drop off for charter vessels, and other small vessel passengers with prior arrangement with the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.
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Several charter vessels took part in a pilot in 2023 using the existing landing stage, with strict vessel traffic management in place to coordinate with existing stakeholders which includes local ferries and boat tours. The Mayflower Pontoons facility builds on the success of the pilot.
Charter skipper of the Mirage Dave Uren said:
“We are delighted that these new pontoons will provide a permanent facility for us to use for our charter passengers making fishing trips available from the heart of the historic Barbican for tourists and locals alike.
“We are also involved in science data and gathering, and it is fantastic that we can now load equipment and board our scientists from this facility too. “Sustainability is at the core of our operations, and it is great to be part of the work in this field to help better inform fisheries science”.
Councillor Tudor Evans, leader Plymouth City Council said:
“Britain’s Ocean’s City is not just a brand but a way of life for many and our waterscape is at the core of our city’s identity.
“This new facility will help create memories of family holidays to the coast, the whopper that was caught, and the one that got away, from all day angling trips to a couple hours chasing mackerel, it is a fantastic addition to our tourist draw.
“It is great to see our local charter boats getting involved with the scientific community and using their vessels and trips to collect vital fisheries data that helps underpin sustainable practices and feeds in to the national collection of data to improve our understanding of stock health”.
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Paul Errington, acting director of finance at the Marine Management Organisation said:
“We’re delighted to support Cattewater Harbour Commissioners in their vision to further develop these facilities. The Fisheries and Seafood Support fund is well known for its support of commercial fishing, and this project is a good example of how the scheme can also support recreational fishers.
“These new pontoons will create opportunities for the businesses that rely on the Barbican Landing Stage, those they employ and the many visitors they welcome each year. The safe haven this facility provides in bad weather is an added benefit for the entire local fishing community.
“We wish the Commissioners every success with this endeavour, especially as they prepare to celebrate their 150th anniversary, and we look forward to seeing the realised impacts of this development.”
Anyone wishing to operate out of the new facility for the 2024 season can contact the Harbour Office via info@plymouthport.org.uk
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