Angling Trust appoints new Charter Boat Officer with support from The Seafarers’ Charity

The Angling Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Jemma Jewkes as our new Charter Boat Officer, a vital new role kindly supported by The Seafarers’ Charity.

The role has been created to provide dedicated advocacy and support for the UK’s charter boat sector – a community of skilled seafarers who play a key role in coastal tourism, recreational fishing, and marine education, yet have historically lacked the recognition and support offered to other parts of the fishing industry.

“Charter boat operators, skippers and crew face many of the same regulatory, financial and operational challenges as their commercial fishing counterparts, but they have too often slipped through the gaps in government support,” said Hannah Rudd, Head of Marine at the Angling Trust. “This new role will ensure their voices are heard and their needs understood.”

About Jemma Jewkes:

Based in Salcombe, Devon, Jemma brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the role. She runs Salcombe Angling and manages the charter vessel Anglo Dawn and commercial fishing vessel New Dawn SE20 alongside her partner. She is also the founder and CEO of Devon Young Fishers CIC, which introduces young people to marine careers through practical experience on the water. Jemma is an active member of Women in Fisheries and Fishing into the Future.

“This role comes at a crucial time,” said Jemma. “Charter boats have had little support until now. I’m excited to work directly with skippers to ensure they have a voice, build stronger connections across the industry, and help secure a sustainable future for charter fishing.”

A spokesperson for The Seafarers’ Charity commented: “We are committed to supporting everyone who makes their living at sea, whatever their profession. Charter boats play an important role in the UK’s rich maritime heritage, and it’s crucial that their crew receive the recognition they deserve. We wish Jemma all the best in her new, exciting role.”

Building a Stronger Future for Charter Boats:

Jemma will be:

• Building a national network of charter boat operators and skippers.
• Working with organisations such as the PBA, IFCAs, MCA, MMO and DEFRA to represent the sector.
• Building a campaign to spotlight career and employment opportunities within the charter boat sector.
• Gathering insights from skippers via a dedicated questionnaire.
• Organising visits and events to understand local challenges and opportunities.
• Highlighting funding opportunities and policy changes affecting the charter boat industry.

Charter boat owners, skippers and crew are encouraged to get in touch with Jemma at [email protected] to share their views, let us know what support they need, stay updated on events, and be part of our growing national network. Charter skippers are also encouraged to take part in our survey below to inform Jemma’s work representing the sector:

Click here for Charter Boat survey

Join the Angling Trust as a Charter Boat Member