Minister told of fisheries plan

The fishermen claim that fishing quotas are unfair to small boats

The fisheries minister has been visiting fishermen and fish merchants in Sussex to discuss plans to develop the industry.

Jonathan Shaw toured Hastings fish market and met representatives of the town's Fishermen's Protection Society.

He went on to Newhaven, where he boarded a small beam trawler and watched fish being landed.

Sussex fishermen want small, environmentally-friendly boats to have a larger share of quotas.

In December, representatives from the fleet met former Prime Minister Tony Blair in Westminster to put their case.

Better marketing

Mr Shaw also visited fresh and frozen seafood distributor Network Seafoods in Newhaven, where he heard about the South East fishing industry development plan from Jeremy Bolas of the South East England Regional Development Agency.

The plan looks at improving the quality of fish, better marketing and encouraging environmentally responsible fishing methods.

He was told about an initiative for providing fishcakes for schools and grants that had been made to Hastings, Shoreham, Newhaven and Rye ports.

"It was good to meet people from the fisheries sector and hear their suggestions on how to protect and strengthen the industry," said Mr Shaw.

"I want to work with the fishing community across the UK to build a profitable, sustainable industry that supports strong local communities and which is managed effectively to maintain and healthy and productive marine environment.

"It is vital to have an understanding of issues at grass roots level and I want to hear directly from people about what is affecting their livelihoods."