Fishermen face red tape despite boost

But an MEP has slammed extra red-tape they will now have to face.

In a mixed week for Rye’s 10 metre fleet, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) announced the £1 million windfall available from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) but from Monday local fishermen are being forced to keep log books recording their catch.

The EFF innovation fund will cover 90 per cent of the costs for projects of £500 or more, particularly those that promote sustainability and catch quality, improve safety at sea and help fishermen maximise the value of their hauls.

Fisheries minister Richard Benyon MP, who visited Hastings this year, said: “The Government is committed to helping England’s small scale fishing fleet develop more sustainable ways of working in order to ensure their long-term future. Innovation will play a central part and I am delighted that we have been able to secure funding specifically to support this.

“We are challenging anyone with a vision for the future of the under-10 metre fleet to bring us their ideas for projects of all sizes, from individuals to those involving the wider community.”

But the introduction of log books has been slammed by Catherine Bearder, who represents the south east on the European Parliament. She claims EU law exempts fishermen working on smaller boats and said: “I agree there is a problem with the misreporting of catches - but mandatory logbooks are like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”

Rye MP Amber Rudd has vowed to fight for a fairer deal for Rye’s fishermen.

For information about the innovation fund visit at www.marinemanagement.org.uk.