Changes at Shoreham Port have opened the inner harbour up for visiting boats from the UK, Belgium, Holland and Scotland while new moorings are providing an increased number of berths for smaller vessels.

The investment has seen the number of visiting boats increase from a total of 117 in 2006 to 157 in the first half of 2008. This figure is expected to rise to over 300 for the full year, an increase of almost 200 per cent.

Smaller craft – less than 15 metres long – will benefit from 26 new berths, predicted to be filled in the next 12 months, bringing the Shoreham Port moored home fleet to more than 30 boats.

Among the new additions to existing facilities are areas for fishermen to store their nets and pots while future plans are set to provide ice-making machines, freezers and an improved parking infrastructure, lighting and security.

The £60,000 invested by Shoreham over the last two years has been bolstered by grants of £30,000 from the Marine and Fisheries Agency, an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

From 2009 the port will be investing further funds and applying for additional grants as part of its continuing development programme.

Shoreham Port harbour master, Captain Colin Crookshank, said:
"The increased fishing activity and subsequent higher catches benefit all concerned. The fish are sold to local markets as well as being transported inland and across to France and Spain."

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Shoreham news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@shorehamherald.co.uk