Rising Fuel Costs Threaten Fishing Fleets
“Everybody’s wages go down because you get a share of the profit so everyone in the crew loses money,” Paul Corin told BBC Cornwall and BBC Devon.
UK fishermen are calling for urgent government support to cope with surging red diesel prices that have spiralled since the start of the US-Iran war. Industry leaders warn that many local boats cannot compete with European counterparts who receive fuel subsidies.
Parliamentary Debate on Fleet Disadvantages
Noah Law, Labour MP for St Austell and Newquay, told Parliament this week that fuel costs were “putting our fleets at a significant competitive disadvantage and all too often rendering it uneconomical to leave port.” Fishing minister Stephen Morgan responded that he recognised “the genuine hardship” high fuel prices were causing across coastal communities.
In Newlyn, Paul Corin, a mate on the Enterprise, said the latest trip had cost £22,000 in fuel. He added that when it came to European fishing boats, it was “not a level playing field” because “they have better quota, more quota in our areas and cheaper fuel to fish the same grounds.”
Industry Demands for Catch Limits and Support
Chris Ranford, chief executive of the Cornwall Fish Producers’ Organisation, said the government needed to back the fishing industry. “What we need is our ministers to really go into bat for the UK, we have to come to an agreement with the EU on setting some catch limits,” he said.
Liberal Democrat MP for Totnes Caroline Voaden described the situation as critical for the inshore fleet and smaller boats. “It’s absolutely crucial the government gives them some support now to get them through this really difficult period,” she told Parliament, adding that “there isn’t going to be a fishing industry left if they don’t help them.”
Minister Promises Existing Tax Support and New Funding
The fishing minister told Parliament that “there is support via the existing tax system, and we have recently announced funding for new, more efficient engines and gearboxes.” Morgan added that “the best tribute I can pay to the sector’s rich heritage is to do my very best to secure its future,” and said that his intention in upcoming negotiations and summits is to protect UK interests.
Common Questions About the Fishing Industry Crisis
Why are red diesel prices increasing for UK fishermen?
The cost of red diesel has spiralled since the start of the US-Iran war, driving up operating expenses for fishing vessels.
What specific advantages do European fishing boats have?
According to local fishermen like Paul Corin, European vessels receive fuel subsidies, better quotas, and more quota allocations to fish the same grounds.
What financial impact are high fuel prices having on crews?
Crew wages drop because pay is calculated from a share of the trip’s profit, meaning high fuel bills reduce earnings for everyone on board.
What support is the government currently offering?
Fishing minister Stephen Morgan said that support is available through the existing tax system alongside newly announced funding for efficient engines and gearboxes.
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