The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) has written to MPs calling for further financial support as the seafood industry continues to struggle following the UK’s exit from the EU.
Barrie Deas, chief executive of the NFFO, has written to Environment Secretary, George Eustice and Fisheries Minister, Victoria Prentis, claiming that, without additional support, fishing firms will remain in a “financially parlous position.”
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) had previously rolled out a £23 million support package for the seafood industry which meant businesses would be able to claim up to £100,000 if they are able to prove “genuine loss” in exporting fish and shellfish to the EU.
However, the industry faces continued stress after Government confirmed that shellfish such as live mussels, oysters and scallops would fall under longstanding EU regulations and will be subject to ongoing restrictions. This means exports of specific types of shellfish cannot be exported from the UK.
“Against this background, we request that you give urgent consideration to a further approach to the Treasury to release tranche funds to keep our sector afloat financially.”
In his letter, Barrie Deas said: “It is deeply regrettable, but not entirely unforeseen, that I now have to make the case to you for a further tranche of support.
“Covid related market disruption, border issues related to the UK’s departure from the EU single market and customs union, and the pre-existing lack of resilience in parts of the fleet due to successive periods of bad weather, all combine to put many fishing businesses in a financially parlous position.
“Against this background, we request that you give urgent consideration to a further approach to the Treasury to release tranche funds to keep our sector afloat financially.
“The purpose, as with the initial package of support, would be to ensure the survival of fishing businesses faced with fixed costs and reduced income, so that we have an industry when the pandemic recedes, and trading relationships settle down.”
