Hopes for fishing revival after visit

TOP-LEVEL talks have taken place in Plymouth as Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans has vowed to save the city’s fishing industry.

- WILLIAM TELFORD [e-mail]

Cllr Evans outlined his mission to “keep Plymouth fishing” during a visit from Government minister Daniel Zeichner.

Cllr Evans pledged to work up a package of measures designed to “reinvent and reinvigorate” Plymouth’s fishing industry.

The fishing industry suffered a major blow when Plymouth Trawler Agents ceased trading a year ago. The fish auction at Fish Quay, at Sutton Harbour, stopped operating, which meant fishing vessels landing fish in Plymouth no longer had an auction to sell their catch. The fish are now transported to other auctions such as those in Brixham and Newlyn.

Mr Zeichner, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, visited the city for discussions over the future of the industry. Cllr Evans said: “We are a fishing port and we talked to the minister about protecting 400 jobs as well as the importance of shore-side facilities

“The auction may have closed, but crews are still landing catch in huge numbers. Plymouth's fishing industry remains strong with landings last year worth around £12 million, making Plymouth the fourth largest port by landings in England.