I have been keeping up the pressure on Fishing Minister, George Eustice, to intervene to stop the Environment Agency going ahead with its proposals to halt the fishing season during the months of July and August. I am confident that he will support Filey fishermen who are understandably worried.
The Environment Agency says the move will allow salmon and trout stocks to recover during these months, but I believe that it will have little effect and would be economically unviable for local fishermen. I have asked them consider imposing the break in April and May.
I also worry that it would have severe consequences for the wider local population. Filey is a fishing town with a healthy and visible fishing industry. It’s a popular holiday destination and attracts many day trippers who are able to watch the boats returning to the harbour and make the direct link to the fresh fish they eat in restaurants and hotels along the coast. I believe that stopping fishing in the peak holiday months would have a detrimental effect on the resort’s ambience and atmosphere and might deter visitors if they are not able to see any marine economic activity. I am determined to make sure this doesn’t happen.