Auction of fishing pots seized in Northumberland raises thousands for RNLI and Fishermen's Mission
An online auction of seized fishing pots has raises money for maritime charities.
Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) raised £14,700 and divided the proceeds equally between the RNLI and the Fishermen’s Mission.
NIFCA members agreed that the RNLI share of the donation should be distributed among local lifeboat stations that had not previously received proceeds from a pot auction.
Seahouses lifeboat station is among the recipients, receiving £1,050.
“We would like to thank NIFCA for their support,” said a Seahouses lifeboat station spokesperson. “It makes a meaningful contribution to our lifeboat station and helps us maintain the equipment, training and resources our volunteer crews need to remain ready to save lives at sea. It was particularly fitting to receive the cheque at Amble lifeboat station while our lifeboats were on the water.”
Other RNLI beneficiaries include Craster, Amble, Newbiggin, Blyth and Cullercoats.
Mark Southerton, chief officer at NIFCA, said: “We are pleased that the proceeds from this auction will support organisations that play such an important role in coastal communities.
"The £14,700 raised will provide valuable assistance to the RNLI and the Fishermen’s Mission and demonstrates how proceeds from enforcement activity can be reinvested for the benefit of our local maritime communities.”
Peter Dade, area manager for North East England Fishermen’s Mission, said: “We are incredibly grateful to NIFCA and its members for this generous donation.
"Fishing communities across the North East continue to face significant pressures, and this funding will help us provide practical and emotional support to fishermen, retired fishermen and their families when they need it most.”