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SHELLFISH skipper owner Peter Hansell, who works from Whitby, has voiced fears over his ability to stay in business, given concerns over the future of the shellfish quota.
Mr Hansell says he is “very worried” about the future of his industry. He said: “I have been involved in the fishing industry for over 46 years. I have heard that the shellfish quota is going to be based on previous landings, same as the whitefish quota was.
“I was a trawler skipper when the white fish quota began and my vessel was Radiant Morn (FR 141.)
“My argument is that those who persecuted the fishery the most were rewarded the best.
“Under 10-metre boats from Whitby, which is my home port, work on average 700 pots. There are however, some under 10 boats that have in excess of 2,000 pots.
“These are the guys that will walk away with the lion’s share of the quota. This is immoral and wrong.”
He added that in August 2010, he bought the Northern Isle, an 8.1 metre Cygness Cyclone potting vessel with full uncapped shellfish entitlement. The previous owner was a crofter on the Isle of Tiree who fished the vessel for 16 months. Previous to that the vessel fished in Jersey.
Mr Hansell says he has invested substantially in the vessel and no mention of shellfish quota was made at the time of his acquisition.
He added: “What quota will I end up with? I am very worried.”
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