Photo credits: Jay KirklandWe are currently running a series of workshops as part of our Forth2O funded story-telling project, Shifting Baselines, capturing community connection with the Firth of Forth. The project explores how stories, knowledge and collaboration can help contribute to, and drive, more inclusive decision making about the Firth of Forth going forward.
Thanks to the invaluable contribution of Jay Kirkland, a Dunbar based artist we held a really interesting workshop in Dunbar on the 14th of June. Involving local fishermen and a diver, it focused on the impact of the decline of fish stocks on a town which was once a vibrant herring fishing community, (with 600 7 or 8 man boats active in 1850). Today Dunbar only has 14 fishing vessels, now only harvesting prawns, lobsters and crabs most of which go to France, Spain, or Eyemouth.
Participants considered the current situation and gave their ideas and hopes for the future. In relation to the current loss of fish the possibility of No take areas and Marine Protected Areas was discussed. Other issues that came up were that it was only financially possible if you inherited a boat, that it was difficult to get crew, that there were no training opportunities for future generations, and there was insufficient protection of the harbour and workshops from increasing storms. Current relationships and responsibilities for all this were deemed inadequate. Increased tourism focus and more local autonomy were seen as immediate potential solutions.