After several delays due to poor weather our new pontoons have finally arrived and been installed in the harbour. There is still a little more work to do adding  the “furniture” such as lights and life rings etc so we are nearly but not quite there.

This is a great step forward for the the Harbour Authority and Mousehole Harbour as their introduction significantly increases disabled accessibility for anyone wishing to take to the water and similarly supports the return of commercial fishing vessels to our harbour to preserve the heritage credentials of our historic fishing port.

As readers of this news update may recall, the Authority applied for funding to improve our facilities and by way of reminder, below are the details of how and why we applied and where the funding was sourced.

Should anyone have any further questions not covered  below regards the works we have undertaken please don’t hesitate to contact either myself or any of the commissioners who will endeavour to answer those queries for you.

Mousehole Harbour Improvements – Community FAQs

1. How much funding has been secured for the harbour?
   We have been awarded £100,705.59 from the Marine Management Organisation’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS). This investment is specifically designed to improve facilities for fishing communities and support sustainable coastal economies.
2. What exactly is being installed?
   Two main improvements will be made:

• A new harbour crane to make lifting and moving fishing gear, catch, and equipment safer and more efficient.
• A set of five pontoons, each 11.5m long and 2.43m wide, which float with the tide and provide safer berthing for boats.

3. Why are pontoons needed?
   The pontoons will provide safe, all-tide access for those who fish from the harbour e.g., by providing ladder free access. They will also make it easier for boats to load and unload safely, improving efficiency for our working harbour.
4. Will the pontoons change the look of the harbour?
   No permanent changes will be made to the harbour walls or Quay. The pontoons are portable and can be removed when needed, so the traditional character of the harbour will remain intact.
5. What happens during community events like Sea, Salts and Sail?
   The pontoons have been designed to be fully removable. For large events, they can be taken out so that bigger vessels can anchor alongside the quay as usual.
6. How will this benefit local fishermen?
   The new crane and pontoons will make daily operations safer and more efficient. Fishers will have more secure berthing, easier access to their boats, and safer handling of fishing gear and catch.
7. Will the improvements benefit the wider community?
   Yes. By supporting those who fish from the harbour, these upgrades help sustain local livelihoods and traditions. The improvements also ensure the harbour remains a safe, flexible space that can continue to host community events and welcome visitors.
8. When will the work take place?
   The project will begin shortly following final arrangements with contractors. We will keep the community updated on timelines and any temporary impacts on harbour access.
9. Who is responsible for delivering the project?
   The project is being led by Mousehole Harbour Authority, with funding support from the Marine Management Organisation’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS).
10. Who can I contact for more information?
    For questions or updates, please contact the Harbour Office or speak with the Harbour Master, Micky Bacon. Contact: harbourmaster@mouseholeharbour.co.uk. or 07944372289

In addition to the pontoons, further works will soon commence on the South quay to install both the new crane and the electrical equipment to power it and provide power more generally to the South quay.

Again , any questions in relation to these works, please just ask.

As always, stay safe.

Micky, Harbour Master