A FILM showing the true-life experiences of Welsh fishermen will have its premiere in North and South Wales later this month.

‘Meet the Fishermen’ introduces a handful of Welsh fishermen and explores their contribution to the Welsh seafood economy - past and present.

The short film aims to present a candid account, from the fishermen’s perspective, of an industry and way of life which many feel is under pressure.

Currently, there are 450 registered vessels, of which 380 are small boats under 10 metres long.

Some launch from ports and harbours, others from beaches and rugged slipways – each with their challenges and opportunities.

Fishermen featured in the film include Dean Parry, from Aberystwyth, whose family have been involved in the fishing industry for 150 years – as fishermen and fishmongers - but who fears he may be the last in that illustrious line.

His catch predominantly goes abroad, mainly to Europe, but increasingly to Asia.

“I fish for that one day a year when you leave the harbour at 7am in the morning, the sea is like glass and there is no better job,” he said.

Lobster fisherman Brett Garner has been fishing for lobster and crab out of Hell’s Mouth on the Llyn Peninsula for 30 years – but times are getting tougher.

“We’re just working harder an harder to make less and less money,” he said.

“I think we are getting close to being the last generation.”

Trevor Jones is a director at Bangor Mussel Producers, and operates on the Menai Strait out of Port Penrhyn with the majority of their mussel production going to the Continent – in particular, northern France.

Aquaculture of this type has been going on in the area since Roman times and the Menai Strait is geographically the best place in Britain to grow mussels.

“Fishing and aquaculture in Wales has never had the profile it deserves,” he said.

“We, as an industry, have the potential to realise a vibrant and sustainable future.”

Carol Evans, of the Welsh Fisherman’s Association, which is currently running an awareness campaign entitled ‘Sea Our Future – Support Welsh Fishermen’, said: “The film is an introduction to the lives of Welsh fishermen.

“If our small scale, mainly inshore, fishing fleet is to survive, we must together try to re-introduce our fishing and aquaculture sectors to the general public appealing to them for support for what is after all one of Wales’ primary food producers restoring the general perception of the sea with fishing and food production.”

‘Meet the Fishermen’ has been commissioned by the by the Welsh Seafood Cluster programme.

Free to join, the cluster is available to all seafood businesses operating in Wales and provides training and support for the whole sector - from fishermen and fishmongers, to merchants, aquaculture and hand gatherers.

The film will be screened from 6.30pm at Catch 22 Brasserie in Valley on Anglesey tonight (February 22).