The paper, entitled Fisheries 2027 - towards a contract for the future of marine fisheries, emphasised the need to make fishing sustainable.

It said that in spite of recent improvements in sustainable fishing techniques, too many fish were still being caught in EU waters.

Defra's vision for the future was one in which fish stocks would be "abundant" by 2027, and consumers would prefer locally-caught fish.

But to achieve that goal would take some tough measures.

Defra suggests fishermen could be fined if they engaged in "environmentally damaging behaviour", and may be required to "share the cost of science and fisheries management".

Elsewhere in the paper, Defra warns that fishermen may have to diversify into "non fishing activities", such as tourism, in order to survive when stocks are low.

"Fishing communities will be resilient and diverse enough to withstand natural fluctuations in the availability of fishing opportunities," it says.

On the positive side, Defra suggests that the industry will have a more secure, long-term future thanks to sustainable policies - and will suffer less interference from Westminster and Brussels.

"There will be good long-term economic prospects and more stability for those who access fisheries," the paper says.

"There will be effective fisheries management, with a lighter touch from the EU and central Government, and good value for money for the taxpayer."

Justin Williams, a Defra inspector based in Penzance, said the document was designed to stimulate debate among the fishing community.

He said: "This was a consultation to get people talking.

"It was a very frank and very open meeting on Friday - no questions were taboo.

"The Government is holding similar meetings in all the major ports of the UK to get views that will shape future policy."

Elizabeth Stevenson, a partner of W Stevenson and Sons fish merchants in Newlyn, said she had mixed feelings about the proposals.

"To have a vision for the next 20 years is a good thing," she said.

"But it seems to give Defra an awful lot of environmental powers.

"I have some concerns that the environmental issues are going to take precedence above everything else."

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN 

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