South West fishermen say fuel costs could force them out of business and seek ministers’ help. A Newlyn skipper says his fuel bill is £3,000 a day; ministers cite fuel-duty relief and a £360m fund, but fishermen say the fund cannot cover rising fuel costs.
The £360m Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund is available over 12 years. Chris Ranford of the Cornwall Fish Producers Association proposed advancing its final two years to create a crisis fund, saying this would match EU support. Paul Trebilcock said EU fleets receive a 20p-per-litre fuel subsidy.
Defra says fishermen receive an 80% red-diesel duty cut and can reclaim the remaining 20% through marine voyage relief. Truro and Falmouth MP Jayne Kirkham said the government favors long-term reductions over short-term subsidies and would monitor whether further help is needed. Trebilcock said Cornwall lands about 20,000 tonnes of seafood annually, which he said could supply the South West population with one portion a week.
