Save our livelihood plea by Mersea fishermen
7:00pm Monday 24th October 2011
Mersea’S fishermen claim they are being put out of business by bigger firms getting preferential treatment from the Government.
Clive Mills, vice-chairman of the West Mersea Fishermen’s Association, has backed a campaign calling for larger fishing quotas for small businesses.
Mr Mills, a fisherman with more than 35 years’ experience, said he was struggling with rising fuel bills and wages.
He has advised his sons not to follow in his footsteps because of the uncertain future of the industry.
Mr Mills said: “We are losing hope. This is our last chance. The Government needs to act now before we’re gone.
“Smaller companies are being bullied by these guys. We are an island nation and part of that heritage, and it could all be lost forever.”
This year’s quota, set by the European Commission, allows smaller boats that fish in depths of less than 10 metres access to just three per cent of fish stocks, even though they make up the majority of the UK’s fleet.
They could be fined if their catch exceeds these limits.
The remaining 97 per cent is allocated to larger vessels.
Mr Mills, 49, of Victory Road, West Mersea, claims the bigger firms sell their surplus fish to smaller companies at inflated prices.
He said: “The Government should charge the bigger firms for their surplus quota and use the money to help small firms.”
Charity Coastnet, based in Rowhedge, is leading calls to Parliament for a review of the law.
Alex Midlen, strategic director, said: “Fishermen have become heavily restricted. They don’t have the ability to catch enough fish.
“It is a problem throughout England and has really hit West Mersea.”
Quotas were introduced in 2006 to protect fish stocks.
Species, including skate, sole and cod, are assessed scientifically and divided between European countries.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs then allocates quotas to each UK fishing community.
A department spokesman said: “The plight of small fishing communities is something we are very aware of. We completed a consultation on this matter earlier this year and the results are soon to be published.
“It is something the minister for natural environment and fisheries is trying to sort out.”
Representatives of West Mersea Fishermen’s Association visited Westminster for a conference on the fishing industry infrastructure and discussed their fears with Bernard Jenkin, MP for North Essex.
A spokesman for Mr Jenkin said “We are thoroughly committed to ensuring the livelihood of fisherman in Mersea and preserving the heritage of the area.”
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