WHO ARE THE COMMISSIONERS?

There are 12 Commissioners in total:

Appointed Commissioners (Not elected):

  1. 4 appointed by NEIFCA (North Eastern Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority)
  2. 1 appointed by North Yorkshire Council
  3. 1 appointed by Hinderwell Parish Council
    (Previously: Minister for Agriculture; changed in 1992)

Fishermen’s Commissioners (Elected):

  1. 4 elected by the Registered Fishermen of Staithes
  2. 2 elected by the Registered Fishermen of Runswick Bay

THE OCTOBER 2025 ELECTION

This is for the Fishermen’s Commissioners only.

  • 4 positions for Staithes
  • 2 positions for Runswick Bay

WHO CAN VOTE?

Only Registered Fishermen can vote.

You must:

  • Own or co-own a fishing boat that pays dues at Staithes or Runswick
    OR
  • Earn part or all of your income from fishing with that boat

You stay registered as long as you meet the criteria
You can’t be registered in both Staithes and Runswick at the same time

HOW TO GET REGISTERED

  • Contact the Clerk to the Commissioners (admin@staithesharbour.org)
  • Apply to be entered on the Register of Fishermen
  • Commissioners decide if you qualify
    (You can appeal to the government if you’re refused)

HOW TO STAND FOR ELECTION

To become a candidate:

  1. Get nominated by 2 registered fishermen from your village
    (2 from Staithes for Staithes candidates, 2 from Runswick for Runswick)
  2. Fill in and send a nomination paper to the Clerk
    Deadline: 4pm on the first Monday of October 2025
  3. You can withdraw later if you change your mind

KEY DATES FOR 2025

  • Nomination Deadline:
    First Monday in October (by 4pm)
  • If an election is needed:
    Public notice goes up by the following Saturday
    (Includes election date, time, and place)
  • Election must happen by:
    The third Monday in October
  • New Commissioners take office:
    1st November 2025
    (And serve until 31 October 2028)

HOW THE VOTE WORKS

Each voter can:

  • Staithes voters: Give 1 vote to each of up to 4 candidates
  • Runswick voters: Give 1 vote to each of up to 2 candidates
  • No stacking – only one vote per candidate!

TIE-BREAKERS & DISPUTES

  • The Chairperson of the election meeting:
    • Runs the vote
    • Breaks any tie
    • Has the final say on any dispute
  • Results will be written and signed – final and binding

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

  • Quorum (minimum number of Commissioners needed for meetings):
    • 6 for finance decisions
    • 5 for everything else
  • Former fishermen may serve if there aren’t enough active ones
  • Elected Fishermen’s Commissioners should represent current fishing interests
  • If no nominations are received, no election is held – current rules allow automatic appointment

REMEMBER

The election is for Fishermen’s Commissioners only
It’s up to the Registered Fishermen to get involved
Other Commissioners do not decide who gets elected
If you’re a fisherman and want a say – get registered and vote!