Recognition of an Industry in Crisis

The dire straights fishermen now find themselves in have been spelt out very clearly to John over the last few months. It is increasingly more difficult to attract a full crew without wage guarantees, fish prices are lower than fifteen years ago yet equipment costs have trebled, and the added burden of risk assessments leave little scope for a viable business. The lack of national and regional control and loopholes in European policy are identified as being at the root of most of the industry's problems.

John has made it very clear he wants to hear the local view and any solutions the industry itself can propose.

"Living in North Cornwall none of us can be in any doubt of the devastating decline of our fishing community. We must listen to those people who are struggling to make a living from the sea, and while we see that locals understand and address the concerns of fish stock management and conservation it is all too often lacking any international control" he said.

It seems most fishermen would like to see treaties renegotiated and consultation with neighbouring countries set up but there are other more realistic proposals that could be implemented to go some way towards redressing the decline, such as crew training schemes, scrap and build programmes for boats, and a more attractive decommissioning scheme.

"It is vital that the fishing industry has a strong voice, like the farmers, and that the problems are addressed at all levels of government", says John who as the conservative party spokesperson for North Cornwall will be continuing this consultation with the local fishing industry over the next few months.