Support for storm affected fishermen – George will press each case

The MP for the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, Andrew George, is urging all local fishermen who have been affected by the storms over the last 2½ months to get in contact with him so he can make sure that the case for reasonable compensation is strongly made to the Marine Management Organisation.

Mr George invited the Deputy Prime Minister to visit his constituency on 13th February when he met local fishermen to emphasise the case for reasonable compensation for those fishermen who had lost boats, lost fishing gear and lost fishing opportunities since the middle of December.

Mr George said, “I am pleased that the pressure which we have brought to bear has resulted in our securing access to some compensation for fishermen affected by the storms.

“Some fishermen are also now finding it difficult to secure insurance on their vessels – especially in Porthleven where many were sunken and destroyed and by the storms after the breaching of the gate which protects the inner harbour.

“It is vitally important that our fishermen make a strong case to the MMO well before the end of June application deadline. Many inshore fishermen have been left with no income whatsoever for many months and others are concerned about the loss of fishing gear as well as fishing opportunities.

“Only by local fishermen contacting and speaking to me can I make sure that I’ll get a clear impression of the pattern of the kind of applications which are being made to the MMO.”

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