OUR WORK

Animateurs provide hands-on support to identify, develop and find funding for projects, with and on behalf of, fishermen.

We provide more than business support, as we work intensively with individuals and groups of fishermen to provide the expertise to achieve things which they would be unable to address on their own.

In this respect the animateur’s role is much more than a facilitator or co-ordinator. Instead, it requires a relationship of trust to be established between the fishermen and the animateur to enable the animateur to gain the insight needed.

We are experienced project developers who can undertake research and an application on your behalf. We do not have any official links with the Marine Management Organisation, or other grant providers, but can assist in the project development process. All risk, liabilities and conditions of any successful grant offer remain the applicant.

The project is funded by The Seafarers Charity, The Fishmongers' Company and Trinity House. It is delivered by the Cornwall Rural Community Charities development arm, CCDL Innovation Ltd. The project is a direct result of the needs identified in the Fishing for a Future Report.

Please note: The Animateurs are under no obligation to support projects which they feel are not viable/appropriate or safe. An example of our terms and letter of engagement are available.

Meet the Team

  • Rob

    Rob FRSA has worked with the fishing industry for over 20 years, is the Principal Animateur at the Cornwall Rural Community Charity and has experience with many funders including the National Lottery, governments, charities and trust funds. His broader experience covers complex multiagency funding and problem projects around community issues.

  • Lowena

    Lowena is based at our Newlyn and Looe offices and specialises in harbour, port, cove and adding value projects. She holds qualifications in sea survival, first aid, has an MA from the Royal College of Art in London, and is currently completing a certificate in fundraising from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

  • Ellie

    Ellie Joined the team in January 2025 after completing a MA in Marine Environmental Management at the University of Exeter. She has experience working with small scale fishermen in Indonesia, the Maldives and East Africa. Ellie has also worked with government bodies in policy making both in the UK and internationally. Based at our Newlyn office, Ellie works on a wide variety of fishing applications and is the lead on supporting science projects and our Looe research base project.

  • Amelia

    Amelia joined the team in January 2025 as a junior rural and coastal Animateur after studying at Penwith College and spending time travelling. She is the teams bridge builder ensuring all the nuts and bolts are in the right place and looks after the mail. Amelia has grown up in Cornwall and aspires to pursue a career at sea. Amelia is the first point of contact by phone, text and online.

  • Skylar

    Skylar is a PhD student at the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute and previously completed her BSc and Masters in Marine Biology at Newcastle University. She works as a part-time Animateur supporting our work on Social Value and data visualisation.

  • Abbey

    Abbey is currently on maternity leave with her new baby Indigo. Abbey lead on engine applications to the UK Seafood Fund and vessel safety applications. She is completing a Certificate in Fundraising from the Chartered Institute of Fundraisers and holds the Sea Survival qualification.

  • Ruby

    Ruby worked for the Fishing Amateur team for two years November 2022 and is now travelling in Australia.