Michael Gove has claimed his experience growing up in the north-east is one of the main reasons why he is backing Brexit.
The Justice Secretary said fishing across the region had been “greatly diminished” since the UK joined the EU.
Mr Gove is one of the most prominent figures in David Cameron’s government to be supporting an EU exit.
Last week, the Press and Journal reported a survey suggesting more than 90% of fishermen intend to vote to leave on June 23.
Mr Gove said: “I remember when I was a boy going down to Aberdeen harbour with my dad and it was big business then but the number of businesses, the number of boats leaving the north-east, has greatly diminished.
“I don’t think anyone can deny, whatever else has been going on economically, the fishing industry was hit hard by the European Union.”
He added this “personal experience” has had an “impact” on his views.
“One of the things I remember when I went to university was people talking about Europe in airy fairy terms and the reality of Europe for me had been seeing people lose their jobs,” he said.
“Part of the problem I thought was there was something wrong with the fact that people who took decisions which affected working people in this country are not accountable.”
Mr Gove was left red-faced earlier in the campaign when he muddled up the names of two north-east ports.
Taking questions after a speech setting out his vision of life outside the EU, the Tory minister referred to the ports of Peterborough and Fraserhead – instead of Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
