Fishermen called on the government for financial support to counter soaring red diesel prices driven by the conflict involving the United States and Iran, BBC News reported.
The cost of fuel has spiralled since the start of the conflict. Many European fishing fleets receive state subsidies for fuel, creating a sharp competitive disadvantage that frequently makes it uneconomical for British vessels to leave port, according to Noah Law, Labour MP for St Austell and Newquay, who spoke in Parliament.
Fishing minister Stephen Morgan told Parliament that he recognised the genuine hardship high fuel prices caused alongside concerns regarding competition from EU fishing boats benefiting from subsidies.
“Everybody’s wages go down because you get a share of the profit so everyone in the crew loses money,” said Paul Corin, a mate on the Enterprise based in Newlyn, after a recent trip racked up £22,000 in fuel costs.
Corin said the situation involving European fishing vessels was not a level playing field. He added that those vessels possess better and larger catch quotas in local waters while operating with cheaper fuel.
Chris Ranford, chief executive of the Cornwall Fish Producers’ Organisation, urged ministers to back the industry during upcoming catch limit negotiations with the European Union.
“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,” Ranford said.
Caroline Voaden, the Liberal Democrat MP for Totnes, described the situation as critical for inshore fleets and smaller vessels.
“There isn’t going to be a fishing industry left if they don’t help them,” Voaden said.
Morgan defended the government’s approach during the parliamentary session.
“There is support via the existing tax system, and we have recently announced funding for new, more efficient engines and gearboxes,” Morgan said.
“The best tribute I can pay to the sector’s rich heritage is to do my very best to secure its future,” he added.
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