Hastings fishermen take their plight to Prince Charles
Prince Charles got a first hand account of the problems facing Hastings' fishing fleet at a royal reception.
Paul Joy, chairman of the Hastings' Fishermen's Protection Society and Stephen Potter of Hastings Borough Council, met the prince at an event at Clarence House in London - and made sure they left his royal highness in no doubt about the fishermen's plight.
The reception was held to celebrate ten years of the Marine Stewardship Council; a unique organisation which awards certificates to fisheries which use environmentally-friendly and sustainable fishing methods.
The Hastings fleet was awarded two in 2005, one for mackerel and herring and one for Dover sole. A further two were awarded this year for Dover sole, caught using different fishing methods.
However, not one to miss an opportunity, Paul Joy put the accolades to one side to explain to the prince that the current quota allocations discriminated against small inshore boats - despite these smaller boats fishing in an eco-friendly way.
He said: "It's ludicrous. Take our cod for example. Quota has been given to boats based in the Shetland Islands and the Outer Hebrides to fish in these waters, although they never will.
"Meanwhile Hastings' fishermen have to throw back what they catch – even though the fish is dead once it's brought aboard the boat."
The prince listened carefully as Mr Joy outlined the situation facing the Hastings fishermen and those at other ports around the country. He even promised to come to Hastings to find out more first-hand.
Mr Potter backed up the fishermen's claims. He said: "The way the UK quota is allocated is one of the most urgent issues facing small boats like those at Hastings.
"Paul and I are very pleased that the prince has taken a personal interest and intends to come to Hastings to see things for himself."
Elsewhere this week, the LibDem Euro MP for the south east took the fight for a fairer deal all the way to the commissioner of the European Union
Sharon Bowles criticized Neelie Kroes for not refusing to deal with the issues and has vowed to continue ramping up the pressure in Brussels
Local LibDem leader Nick Perry said: "I know Sharon is doing everything in her power to get the EU to come off the fence on this issue and force a change to the UK's policy.
"We can only get a response which is of use to our fishermen if we continue to fight for reform and justice within this system."
What do you think of the plight of local fishermen? Leave your comments below.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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