Norman Lamb MP taking Local Fisherman's Fight to Parliament

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 29th Sep 2008

Norman Lamb MP has written to DEFRA after it emerged there exists a real threat to the livelihoods of the fishermen based at Wells-next-the-sea in North Norfolk. Norman Lamb is reacting to government proposals that will alter fishing regulations, and place severe restrictions upon the local fishing business in Wells. "I am horrified at the prospect of the fishing fleet at Wells-next-the-sea being decimated by these proposed changes" said Norman Lamb MP.

The matter was brought to Mr Lamb's attention by constituent and local fisherman, Robin Harris after it emerged that new fishing regulations would impose a 300 kilogram per annum limit for a license holder in respect of skate, rays, cod, and sole. The limit would be applied unless 300 kilograms of the specified species had been caught during the qualifying period of October 2006 to January 2008.

The issue encountered by fishermen in Wells-next-the-sea is that most of them will be unable to demonstrate they have caught the necessary quota during this time period as they have been primarily catching crab and lobster. Most fishermen alternate their catch from year to year based on supply and the proposed changes to licensing regulations would inhibit fishermen from fishing certain species in the near future.

Norman Lamb MP is throwing his support behind these local fishermen and calling for a meeting with DEFRA as soon as possible, "Fishermen adapt according to the supply of any particular fish or shellfish. This would mean that most of the fishermen in the local area would be subject to these severe restrictions and it is likely that many local boats will be put out of business. I am deeply concerned about the effect this will have upon not only the local fishermen, but the local economy of Wells-next-the sea, and it is imperative I meet with government officials to discuss this immediately."