Fishing fleets in Shetland have joined industry calls from across the UK for urgent government help to stay afloat as fuel costs continue to soar.
Skippers have voiced fears that important fish catches could be in jeopardy as they face the growing possibility they may have to tie up their boats and lay off crew because going to sea is becoming increasingly unaffordable.
The conflict in Ukraine has seen the cost of marine diesel in the isles more than double since the same time a year ago, making fishing trips uneconomical and local businesses unviable.
The Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) is appealing for temporary support from ministers to sustain fishing fleets through this “time of crisis” – and protect valuable food supplies on which the nation relies.
SFA chair and local skipper James Anderson said: “It’s almost a forgotten fact that fishing crews help to feed the nation. “ Nearly 50,000 tonnes of fresh fish and shellfish were landed in Shetland alone last year, providing meals for millions of people.
Without financial help, the SFA says local vessels face being tied up at quaysides, while foreign fleets, supported by their own nations, can continue fishing – many of them in the waters around Shetland.
French fishing fleets will be able to stay at sea due to a government-funded four-month subsidy of €0.35 [30 pence] per litre of fuel.