According to the Welsh Federation of Fishermen’s Associations the market of their catch had all but disappeared because of the blockade of French ports. It is said that most of the Welsh fleet fishes lobster and crab which goes to the continent. But due to soaring prices of fuel cast great impact on the industry with many fearing for the bleak future. CEO Jeremy Percy said 450 of the 507 fleet were small boats with many specialising in shellfish sold to mainland Europe.
According to Percy the combination of the two factors has caught everyone on the hope. There is the very real danger that many will go out of business in the near future. He also said that the French fishermen, also suffering the effects of fuel prices, have taken their usual robust approach and are blocking entry of shipments as well as pressuring French wholesale buyers not to buy British shellfish.
It is reported that the French fishermen have been removing anything other than their own fish and shellfish from retailers and giving it away to the public. Percy told that most of the crab and lobster bought by caterers in the UK was from Canada and while he said the British product was superior it would take time to convince suppliers to change.
Percy opined that the association was also looking at new emerging markets in the Far and Middle East but it is difficult to switch over from one to another overnight. It is also said that some fishermen had already stopped going out to sea.
