Undefended waters

ONCE again much has been, and is being, written and spoken of lately in respect of the UK Government’s intention to take control of our fishing grounds and maritime borders.

this is all very laudable but raises one very fundamental question. how are the Governments of both UK and scotland to effectively monitor, patrol and control our fishing grounds, rights and borders?

For hundreds of years, the royal navy effectively patrolled and controlled these waters with a dedicated Fishery Protection squadron operating from naval bases in scotland and england. Indeed, Lord nelson was once a Fishery Protection Officer.

From the late 1950s to the 1980s, fishery protection vessels were generally specifically designated ton class minesweepers, with highly trained crews and sufficient vessels to cover the entire UK coastline.

today, due to the ignorance and incompetence of politicians, civil servants and senior admirals, the squadron has been reduced to four very insignificant royal navy river class patrol ships and three civilian manned scottish-based vessels.

It can safely be assumed that at least 50 per cent of all these vessels will be in maintenance or refit at any one time, leaving our fishing grounds free to exploitation by at least three to four hundred vessels of varying nationalities throughout the year.

next time a politician stands up in public and states ‘we will take back control of our fishing areas and rights’, will someone please ask the obvious question: ‘how’? PETER F TOMS, Ex. Chief M.E.M.

Royal Navy, Dundee.