According to local MP Michael Foster the raw deal being handed out to Hastings fishermen is threatening the town’s fleet. He added that this will damage not only the local fishing trade but also tourism which relies heavily on people visiting the historic fishing quarter. Currently, the UK fleet is divided into two sectors which together employ more than 50 percent of the fishing workforce.
Together with local fishermen, Michael Foster has long campaigned for a more equitable distribution of the quota. Speaking during the annual Fisheries debate at the House of Commons, Foster told that fishing is at the heart of our local community. It embodies our traditions and heritage while also being integral to our modern tourist trade.
Foster also said that if the Government does not act our fleet may die out. I want to embolden the minister to give more quotas to the Under-10s. All they ask for is a fair chance. The issue of discards is more important. He said that what is wicked is that they discard (throw back) fish over the limit. Fish should be on our plate or swimming free, not rotting on the seabed.
Foster opined that their fishermen cannot catch one ounce over their limit. In the French fish market at Boulogne they openly advertise the fact that cod is readily available on the black market. He blamed that their fishermen are being undermined by underhand methods and I want the minister to ensure this behaviour is not tolerated.
