Coastal fishermen in need: Figure Fishing is on the brink!

Coastal fishermen in need: Figure Fishing is on the brink!

Cuxhaven, Deutschland - In Cuxhaven, the heroes of the North Sea - the cutter fishermen - gathered for the second North German fishing conference. This is not only talking about fish, but about the livelihood of many families! Mayor Uwe Santjer (SPD) left no doubt about it: "This is actually about existence." The coastal fishing stands on the abyss and urgently needs financial support so as not to overthrow.

The fishermen demand a clear perspective! They require that at least five percent are provided as a structural aid for fishing when selling space for offshore wind turbines. A newly planned fishing fund is intended to diversify the industry, modernize ships and promote marketing and research. A fishing council, occupied by representatives from business, politics and municipalities, is intended to decide on the use of funds. "We need a perspective," emphasizes Santjer.

fishing breaks and new opportunities

Another hot topic: the impending bans in the catch in protected areas! Dirk Sander, President of the Lower Saxony State Fishing Association, raises the alarm: "Our biggest problem is that catch areas are lost." Wind farms and cable routes make life difficult for fishermen. But Sander also sees opportunities in offshore fish that are allowed in other countries such as England and Denmark. In order to meet the challenges of climate change, he demands fishing breaks in winter - a brave step into an uncertain future.

The demands are recorded in the "Future Pact of Coastal Fish 2050", which is to secure coastal fishing in Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. "The alarm signs are red," warns Santjer and emphasizes the growing solidarity on the coast. Supported by politicians from the state parliament and the Bundestag, the pressure on the decision -makers is increasing. Time is urging, because the fishermen not only fight for their future, but for the survival of their industry!