Pictured at Ilfracombe Harbour are Mr Shaw, Scott Wharton, fleet owner and skipper, Rob Lawson, Ilfracombe Harbourmaster, and John Butterwith, Chief Executive of the association (NDFA.)

Mr Butterwith said that before leaving Ilfracombe for a trip to the Lundy Marine Nature Reserve, Mr Shaw met with him and Scott Wharton in order to gain first hand experience of not only how the high fuel costs and “restrictive practices” are affecting the inshore fishing industry, but also the necessity of protecting the Bristol Channel fishery.

Rob Lawson described the proposed £6m Ilfracombe Harbour development, but did emphasise that whilst the Ilfracombe Harbour Commission are competitive in pricing fuel in the South West, if the ever escalating price of fuel forced fishing vessels out of business, the project would be unviable.

“This is also very true for the Autumn opening of the new fishing complex at Appledore, “ Mr Butterwith added.

Mr Wharton, who had delayed his sailing by several hours, brought Our Olivia Belle alongside the pier to join the discussion with Jonathan Shaw, and gave an accurate perspective of the catching sector problems with emphasis on the impact to family run businesses and the meltdown to inshore communities who had survived for generations.

Among the issues put to the Minister, Mr Butterwith, went on, were the self imposed measures being adopted by the NDFA in order to secure a sustainable fishery. Particular reference was given to the Ray Box , and the minimum landing size for ray for both of which the association is seeking Government adoption.

“ The incursion under historical rights of Belgian vessels, the likelihood of a 350 sq.km. wind farm, and the possibility of MPA’s, will all take their toll on a hard pressed industry. In return, we asked what measures of support were being offered by the Government. Fuel prices were naturally high on the agenda, as was grant aid for diversification. Scott emphasised the need for technical measures to reduce discards and this was a move warmly welcomed by Jonathan Shaw.

“On the subject of quotas, it was put to the Minister that Defra did not have an accurate analysis of what fish stocks and quantities actually existed. It was suggested that a trial period be designated for effort limitation ( days at sea ) with no quotas or discards – subject to MLS, in order that everything may be landed. Because fish are not recorded on a log sheet it does not mean that they haven’t been caught. That way, the scientists will know exactly what fish is on the ground. A point that the Minister was happy to take away with him.

“The question was also asked that whilst France and Spain are being seen as so supportive of their fishing industries, why are we being repeatedly asked by the British public ‘What are our Government doing for the fishermen’. The Minister replied that measures are being undertaken to publicly support the industry, but it would be wrong to disclose details at this time.”

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