Mousehole Harbour Authority is pleased to announce it has secured £100,705.59 in funding from the Marine Management Organisation’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) to deliver key improvements for the harbour. The funding will provide a new harbour crane and five portable pontoons, each 11.5m long and 2.43m wide, which rise and fall with the tide and can be removed for community events such as the Sea, Salts and Sail Festival. These upgrades will make day-to-day operations safer and more efficient e.g., by  providing ladder free access, for those who fish from the harbour, while ensuring the space remains flexible and welcoming for the whole community.

 

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