Residents on Holy Island are on 'tenterhooks' as they await a decision from the government that could end thousands of years of fishing.
The Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) carried out a consultation last year on creating a highly protected marine area (HMPA) around the island.
The outcome of the consultation was expected to be released at the end of last year but has been delayed as analysis has taken longer than expected.
Reverend Canon Dr Sarah Hills, who is leading the campaign against the proposals, said the community is desperately waiting to hear the outcome.
She said: "The fishermen of Holy Island are desperately waiting to hear whether their way of life will have to end. In fact, the whole island community is on tenterhooks.
"If the decision from Defra and the government is to ban fishing in order to designate a highly protected marine area in our waters, the heart of the island community will be ripped out.
"Every day that goes by without a decision means increased anxiety, and delay in investing in this seasons fishing gear. Who would spend money on the future if there isn’t going to be one?"
The proposals have been strongly opposed and Northumberland County councillors voted to oppose the plans, with fears raised a ban would "devastate the island's economy".
Rev Hills added: "The long term effects of banning fishing will be huge. The island will turn into a tourist attraction with no heart. We will lose our fishing families and their children from the school.
"There has been fishing from Holy Island for hundreds and hundreds of years. We need to keep it that way."
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