Marine Matters

Like the coastal leisure scene, the regions commercial fishing industry has undergone change in recent years.

Larger ports such as Grimsby, Lowestoft, Fleetwood and Peterhead have long been the traditional home to the deep-sea fishing fleets but Kent has enjoyed a thriving inshore fishing industry for generations.

Coastguard Sector Manager Andy Roberts

Boats up to around 15m in length have for many years fished for various species of fish by trawling or gill netting. Similarly the cockle and oyster beds of the Thames Estuary have provided a living for generations of families. Crabs, lobsters and whelks are examples of the harvest brought home by the regions potting boats.

The industry has however undergone various changes in recent years. The five year period between 1999 and 2004 saw a 21% reduction in the total number of UK registered commercial fishing vessels.

However, inshore fishermen claim that an increasing amount of quota restrictions and ‘red tape’ regulations are making it increasingly difficult to earn a living. For example in the region at present there is a three month ban on fishing for soles. For many boats this comprises the main part of their catch resulting in them being in effect out of operation.

MCA fishng vessel inspection

Further into the River Thames itself however, improvements in water quality mean that commercial fishing continues to be a viable industry including the largest cockle fishery in the UK with 65% of the country's supplies worth over £2 million a year.

Fishing still remains one of the UK’s most dangerous professions and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency who administer the rules and regulations walk a tricky tightrope.

They attempt to make the industry a safer one while at the same time understanding the fishermen’s problems and maintaining the good relationships that are essential for all involved.