MP CALLS FOR FISH DECISION RE-THINK

Norman Baker said the decision, made on Thursday last week, would have an adverse impact on the viability of the fishing industry locally, and lead to large amounts of bass being tossed back into the sea.

Newhaven fishermen have told the MP that the decision will have serious consequences for them. However, their French counterparts will be handed a massive advantage as they are still permitted to catch and land fish over 35cm.

To add insult to injury these smaller fish can then be exported to the British market. The problem is compounded by the exemption from the ruling of fish farmers producing bass, thus providing further opportunity for British fishermen to be undercut.

In addition, the ruling could lead to a large number of bass, which do not meet the minimum landing requirements, simply being discarded.

Mr Baker said: 'This decision defies any logic and will have the consequence of losing hundreds of pounds a week income for Newhaven fishermen.

'I understand that the mesh used by the fishermen in my constituency effectively prevents fish under 36cm being caught. However those between 36cm and 40cm will in future have to be discarded. I understand that this will represent some 75 per cent of the local catch of bass.

'I have considerable sympathy for the points local fishermen have made to me, as it does appear that this ruling puts them at a severe disadvantage to their French counterparts.

'I also feel that the discarding of caught fish which do not meet the minimum standard is highly undesirable, and indeed a complete waste of resources.

'In light of this I have asked the Fisheries Minister, Ben Bradshaw, to review his decision urgently with a view to rescinding the ruling as soon as possible.'