Fishermen protesting about fuel costs.

[MINESAPINT]

Just thought I would like to air my opinion.

I think there is no doubt that there has been a catastrophoic decline in fish stocks over the past 20 years or so. A fisherman used to be able to make a reasonable catch with a small low powered vessel fairly close to the shore because there were plenty of fish. As new technologies became available the fishermen were able to increase their catches. As fish became scarce the fishermen responded by venturing farther out to sea and crucially fitting much larger engines in their vessels so they can tow faster. So the result is boats are travelling vast distances to find the few fish left and having to tow their nets much further and faster to make a decent catch using these massive engines. I imagine a trawler will be lucky to get half a mile to the gallon and will travel in excess of 1000 miles on many trips.

So the root problem as far as I see it is a shortage of fish!

MINESAPINT

[andyt]

As an ex trawlerman, i can confirm that this was being talked about, some 30 years ago But of course nothing was done until the problem became too acute to ignore( & now it's virtually too late for stocks to recover). But try telling that to the Spaniards!!

[MINESAPINT]

Andyt,

Just wondered if you have come across the Indefatigable bank, Spitsen, Inner & Outer Silver Pit, Lupino, Lost World, Boot Sock Tow on your travels?

MNESAPINT