Whitby fishermen optimistic and concerned over EU trade talks following Brexit

By Kris Jepson

Fishermen from Whitby, North Yorkshire, have told ITV News Tyne Tees they are optimistic and concerned over imminent EU trade talks following Brexit.

The UK government has promised to secure a better deal for UK fishermen, describing it as a "red line" issue that is one of five key negotiating principles with the EU.

Earlier this week, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar hinted the UK may have to make "concessions" over its fishing rights in order to get concessions in other areas like financial services.

Whitby trawler man, Richard Brewer, told ITV News he fears the industry will be "sold down the river" during the trade deal negotiations.

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Currently smaller EU boats can come as close as six miles from the UK coast.

At the end of 2020 the government will be able to decide who can and cannot fish in this huge area.

Whitby fisherman James Cooper told ITV News the current EU set quotas and restrictions have had a huge impact on the success of the industry in North Yorkshire.

Trawlerman, Richard Brewer, told ITV News he wants post-Brexit quotas to be extended in order to help his crews catch bigger fish.

Currently they are forced to throw perfectly good fish back into the sea due to the small quotas.

He said he is concerned for the future of the fishing industry if the government cannot strike a strong deal with the EU.

The Whitby Fish Market used to be open six days a week, with larger fish from cod and haddock to plaice and whiting being sold in the harbour.

Now, local fishermen and fishmongers say following decades of EU restrictions, the market only sells crabs and lobsters.

One fishmonger sells the locally caught shellfish, but has to import the larger white fish to serve up at its restaurant and take-away, The Magpie Cafe.