Fishermen in Shetland, who fear rising fuel prices could force them to tie up their boats, are calling for help from the government – warning that without action the UK’s food supply could be impacted.
Daniel Lawson, chief executive of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA), urged ministers to “help our fishing fleet keep feeding the nation”.
The SFA issued a plea for help, as it said the war in Ukraine had seen the cost of marine diesel in the islands more than double in comparison to last year.
“While Shetland boats struggle on, they see governments elsewhere take action to help an industry that is clearly valued,” he commented.
SFA chair James Anderson, the skipper of the Alison Kay, said rising fuel costs meant some crews were considering not going to sea, while others were taking wage cuts or releasing crew members.
The organisation contrasted this situation with France, where fishermen can benefit from a government subsidy that helps with the cost of fuel, and Spain, where the government has pledged to lower taxes at state-run ports, and is offering low interest loans to help fishing boats remain viable.
With almost 50,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish being landed in Shetland last year, Lawson said: “The knock-on effects of Shetland’s fishing fleet being forced to tie up would be a hammer blow to the economy of our islands, the wider supply chain, and to the nation’s entire food supply – with more fish landed here every year than in England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined.
“Ministers need to take notice, and action, now, to help our fishing fleet keep feeding the nation.”
Anderson said: “War puts things in perspective, and every household and industry across the UK is feeling the strain of rapidly rising fuel bills, but our governments need to be aware that boats have been struggling – and that we can’t keep fishing for long in the current climate.
“Already in Shetland we’ve seen crews forced to consider tying up, taking wage cuts, or being let go altogether until vessels become viable again.
“That won’t happen soon without a show of support for our industry, as other countries have chosen to do.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: “Like many sectors, the fishing industry is facing challenges as a result of global fuel prices.
“Marine Voyages Relief provides eligible vessels with 100% relief on their fuel duty costs, and we continue to engage with the industry to discuss ongoing challenges and potential mitigations.”
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