Soaring diesel prices leave British fishermen stuck on land

Soaring marine diesel prices are keeping many British fishermen ashore, industry leaders warn, while French boats continue to trawl UK waters. Marine diesel is currently about £1.15 per litre and has more than doubled in six months, making trips uneconomical for many UK vessels. French competitors benefit from a European Union fuel subsidy of roughly 35 cents (30p) per litre. Mike Cohen, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, told The Telegraph that Britain’s boats are “watching the French steam past our harbours” without government support. The pressure is especially acute for scallop fishermen, because dredging distant beds requires extra fuel. The industry has written to the UK government requesting support, but no response was given.