The fishermen complained that they have been forced to accept a 30% rise in mooring fees. The new pontoons at Sutton Harbour, built for last July’s Transat race, will now cost fishermen £1,500 a year. The Plymouth Fishermen’s Association informed that the rise in fees should not be introduced in the current financial climate.
According to Sutton Harbour the pontoons were top-class facilities and fishermen had rates up to 40 percent lower than other boats. Dave Cuthbert, chairman of the Plymouth Fishermen’s Association, opined that the rise would hit an already struggling industry. He also said that these kinds of rises are unacceptable in times of recession.
Sutton harbour master Pete Bromley is of view that the fishermen could tie up elsewhere in the harbour where fees were much cheaper. He also told that if they want to use the new pontoons then they have to realise that there’s a premium to pay because these are top class facilities. They’ve known that for a year. Bromley also opined that Sutton harbour had not charged them any extra since the pontoons were completed last July and that they would still enjoy a rate that was 40 percent less than what was charged to other boat owners in the cheapest marina.
