Many are struggling to keep afloat with sky high rises in fuel charges which are showing no sign of slowing down.

Fishermen who have been in the industry for decades say their livelihoods are under threat.

The boats in Looe harbour run on red diesel which currently costs about 67p a litre, compared to around 38p a year ago.

An average trawler uses about 200 to 300 litres a day, some even more, and during a two-day trip the fuel bill totals at least £400.

Fishermen say with the huge outlay in the cost of fuel and no certainty of a decent catch, it is becoming increasingly difficult to support their families.

Daniel Margetts has been fishing for seven years. He said: "The fuel price seems to be rising by three or four pence per litre per week which is unsustainable for us. Boats have already started to tie up around the country because they can't afford to go to sea.

"In some cases boats are going backwards because the fuel costs too much.

"The boats bring a lot to Looe, but if prices rise a lot more we won't be able to go to sea."

Armand Toms, local town and county councillor, used to be a fisherman in the town.

He said: "For nearly 25 years I have seen the highs and lows of an industry that has all too often only sustained itself by the sheer hard work of those involved.

"Now we have come to the current fuel crisis, but it's really more than that - it's possibly the end of this country's fishing fleet as we currently know it.

"Boats are putting to sea knowing that the cost of fuel might and could render their catch insufficient to provide for the upkeep of the boat or give the crew a living wage.

"This has always been a risky business and its dangers well known but there comes a time when even life-long fishermen can no longer carry on as he must provide for his family.

"These are dark days and the future is bleak for all involved.

"I ask for everyone to write to their MP asking for support in reducing the burden on us all."

The Cornish Guardian revealed last month that Looe fishermen were threatening a port blockade over quotas which they say prevent them from earning a living.

EU regulations mean owners of vessels under 10m can only catch 50kg of certain fish per month, which some fishermen were catching in two hours.

Dave Bond who fishes out of the port, said: "Each day is different, but prices for fuel have gone up more than 50% in a year.

"It is the death of fishing in Looe.

"The market, fish packers and everyone else involved are all reliant on the fishing.

"Only the strongest boats will survive, the well established businesses, but I don't see any future for younger men who are coming into fishing."

European Union members have made money available to their fishermen to bring the costs of fuel down.  

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN 

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