THE impact of rising fuel costs on Whitby's fishing fleet has been laid bare with the release of coble landing figures, showing a massive downturn in recent months.
The amount and value of fish in Whitby's ports has dropped dramatically since white fish quotas were suspended and fuel prices continued their meteoric rise.
Scarborough Council's figures show in the period from 1 April to 31 May this year, the we
ight of the catch was down by more than 47,000 kilos compared to the same period last year.
The total value also dropped by £22,000 in just two months on the previous year, with the wharfage is falling by just under £3,000.
The report from port master Bill Estill states that although the performance of the ports in Whitby and Scarborough had improved to the end of the financial year in March, they were now both feeling the pressure.
He states: "The industry is currently feeling the effects of high fuel prices and in the respect the larger trawlers are particularly affected.
"The situation is serious and may impact upon the port activity unless a resolution to the crisis can be found at a national level."
The cost of fuel has more than doubled in the previous year, leading to protests by fishermen in Whitby and across the country.
More industrial action is planned with a meeting set to go ahead this week to decide on what form it will take.
The fishermen want aid from the Government to make it viable for them to keep fishing as some are now scaling back on their trips to sea as the value of the fish caught is less than the fuel for a journey.
Other details in the council report reveal the outstanding work to complete the new utilities to the northern pontoon was finalised and a sewage pump out facility is now available.
It adds further consultation on the onshore facility will take place shortly.
The full article contains 334 words and appears in Whitby Gazette Friday newspaper.
