Panic in fishing industry over rising fuel cost

Many fishermen claim job becoming unviable, says industry leader

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The west coast fishing industry is calling for immediate action from the Scottish and Westminster governments to avert what they claim is an imminent crisis in the industry caused by soaring fuel prices.

John Hermse, secretary of the Mallaig and North-West Fishermen’s Association, said that fishermen were now beginning to panic and the concern was spreading through all sectors.

Mr Hermse said: “Fishermen rely on their earnings through the spring and summer to get them through the winter months.

“I have been inundated with calls from fishermen and people are no longer just concerned, they are beginning to panic because they see their job as unviable.

“In the past two years, fuel has gone from around 25% of the cost of running a boat to around 55% of costs, and that is just not sustainable.”

The escalating fuel price is also beginning to hit processors.

Alasdair Urquhart, an agent for Fraserburgh-based Iceberg Ltd, which exports processed fish and shellfish, said: “In the past 18 months, my fuel costs have doubled. I used to pick up prawns every day from ports such as Portree, Uig Dunvegan and Portnalong on Skye. Now I try to pick up every second day to reduce fuel costs.”

He said the escalation in fuel prices was also beginning to affect the haulage companies used to take the produce to mainland Europe.

Mr Urquhart said: “Last year we had eight or nine haulage firms to choose from. That is now down to four because the rest say that runs to the continent aren’t viable.” Mr Hermse said fishermen needed immediate action, before a meeting scheduled with Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, on May 12.

Minister for Environment Michael Russell yesterday said: “The Scottish Government takes the issue of fuel prices very seriously and acknowledges the unprecedented pressures which Scottish fishermen are facing.

“Earlier today, I spoke to John Hermse and his colleague John McAllister and am offering to meet them in person next week to discuss this issue further.

“I have also spoken to Bertie Armstrong of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation to discuss how fuel prices and the fuel shortages at the weekend have been affecting the wider Scottish fleet.

“In light of today’s discussions, and taking into account what is happening elsewhere in Europe, I’ve instructed my officials to intensify the work which is already under way to work up possible options. This means that when Richard Lochhead meets the fishing industry on May 12 there can be a focused discussion on exactly what can and should be done.”