Fisheries authority criticises boatyard changes

North Tyneside Council says the boatyard has become an eyesore

An organisation which represents inshore fisheries claims new terms being imposed on a boatyard will "significantly impact" future fishing.

The Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) has written to North Tyneside Council opposing its move to stop renters from maintaining and repairing their boats within the boatyard at Cullercoats.

The fishermen have argued there is nowhere else for the work to be done and it could bring an end to fishing in the area.

But North Tyneside Council said: "The only aim of the updated conditions is to ensure the boatyard operates safely and efficiently, without causing issues for residents or harm to the environment."

Paul Robinson is one of a number of fishermen who has spoken out against the changes

NIFCA is an independent statutory organisation, one of 10 in England, responsible for the sustainable management of sea fisheries. It covers the coastline from Berwick to the Tyne.

In its letter, NIFCA said: "Maintenance of fish vessels is an essential requirement for both vessel and crew safety as well as a legal requirement.

"Members are concerned the loss of use of the boatyard will end hundreds of years of fishing heritage and tradition which is culturally important to the residents of Cullercoats."

Conservative councillors have called for an extraordinary council meeting to vote to delay changes to the boat yard's licences until after mayoral elections in May, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.

A council spokesperson said: "Since we began to look at the safety and future use of the boatyard, we have maintained regular contact with the licence holders, including to explain the new licensing conditions.

"So far, six licence holders have signed and returned their agreements, letting us know that they would like to remain in the boatyard, and most of them have commercial fishing status."