Lowestoft fisherman, 18, hopes to attract youngsters to industry

Teenager Alex Wightman admitted fishermen are a "dying breed"

An 18-year-old is hoping to attract young people to the fishing industry after acquiring his own boat.

Alex Wightman said he believed there was still a future in fishing, despite government figures showing a decline in registered vessels.

His family, from Lowestoft in Suffolk, have spent almost £300,000 on Alex's boat; the Emma Claire.

Father Steve Wightman said he also hoped more young people would get involved.

Alex said: "We're a dying breed but there's still a future in it if you're willing to work hard.

"I've been fishing all my life, on-and-off since I was about eight or nine, going out with dad on [our boat the] Maximus.

"So it's in my blood and I intend to keep it that way."

The Emma Claire will be used for trawling fish such as Dover Sole, as well as potting for lobsters and crabs

He will be working alongside his brother, Max, 23, and his dad, who each captain a boat.

At nearly 10m (32.8 ft), the Emma Claire is thought to be the first new fishing boat in Lowestoft's in-shore fleet for 20 years.

It is due to set sail soon, weather permitting, and will be used for trawling for fish, including Dover Sole, as well as potting for lobsters and crabs.

The ship becomes the third in the family's fleet (pictured is Alex next to the hull in 2021)

"I'm over the moon that she's finally ready to go," said Alex.

"It's been a long process, getting on for nearly two years now, it's quite an honour being a young man just coming into the fishing industry and having a brand new boat."

• Listen: The 18-year-old fishing boat captain

His father said despite recent news of a decline in the industry he still believed the sector had a future and intended to keep the boat in the family.

"We can't catch the volume of fish we once did but the prices are well up, so you don't need very much to make enough to cover your expenses and have some money and cover a few wages," said Mr Wightman.

In 2022 there were 5,541 UK registered fishing vessels, according to the Marin Management Organisation. This represented a 14% reduction in the last ten years.

Steve Wightman said he was proud of the family's achievements

"We wanted to try and build Lowestoft back up again," his father added.

"We need to get youngsters into the job and if we can show a positive light on fishing, then youngsters will come along.''