Coracle-caught sewin get special protected status
WELSH sea trout caught in traditional coracle boats have been awarded special protected status by the European Commission.
Just a handful of coracle-paddling fishermen are permitted to catch sea trout, known in Wales as “sewin”, on the rivers of west Wales in a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years.
It has now been granted Protected Food Name (PFN) status, which offers Europe-wide legal protection against imitation and misuse.
In doing so, “west Wales coraclecaught sewin” has become the latest of 11 Welsh food products which now have this status.
It joins the likes of Welsh lamb, Conwy mussels and Halen Mon/ Anglesey sea salt as “branded” products that have a distinctive means of production.
The four-year campaign was led by the Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen’s Association and supported by the Welsh Government.
Lesley Griffiths, cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs, said: “I am delighted coracle fishing for sewin has been awarded Protected Geographical Indication status.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to the Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen’s Association and I am pleased the Welsh Government was able to support them during the application process.
“Our Protected Food Name basket continues to grow, which is a tribute to the dedication of our producers to quality.
“This recognition is important because, as we prepare for a future outside the EU, we will be able to demonstrate to potential new markets that Wales produces a wide range of high-quality food and drink products.”
Julie Rees, secretary of Carmarthen Coracle & Netsmen’s Association, said: “Coracles have been used to fish the rivers of west Wales for hundreds of years.
“To be awarded the PGI status for west Wales coracle caught sewin is a great achievement for our small group of coracle fishermen.
“We are also proud that the old tradition and heritage of coracle fishing has been acknowledged and would like to thank the Welsh Government for their help and support offered throughout the long process.”
Coracle fishing is the ancient method whereby pairs of coracles suspend a net between them, often at night, to catch sewin as they start to move upstream.
A coracle is a small round boat, similar in shape to half an Easter egg, which is lightweight and easy to carry but offers limited stability.
It was made traditionally from woven willow or ash and originally covered in animal hide, now replaced with tarred calico or canvas.
Unique to coracles, the fishing nets must be handmade. Their size is governed by strict regulations enforced by National Resources Wales (NRW), allowing smaller fish to swim through.
The sewin is caught in a fivemonth season, starting on March 1 on the Tywi and Taf rivers, and the April 1 on the River Teif.
Only 21 pairs of coracles are licensed to fish – and none at weekends.