Our comments, published in The Times, February 2012

Sir, Congratulations to David Sanderson for describing accurately the scandalous damage to traditional small boat fishermen caused by the unjust and indefensible lack of fishing quota in that sector. Increased pressure for government action in response to this information is now of vital importance to the survival of Britain's most environmentally friendly fishing methods and fleets. Time is short.

Our Hastings fleet is world renowned as one of the most perfectly sustainable fisheries but lack of any cod quota has reduced it from 29 active small boats to 3 within a few short years. The" quota barons" controlling the Hastings area from their armchairs, or perhaps Caribbean beach loungers, should be named and shamed into parting with enough cod for the town, its' many visitors and small fleets' survival at the very least. Uncaught sustainable cod abound in our region, it is justice we need urgently.
Yours sincerely,
Ruth Sandys Edwards
Head, Webbe's Cookery School
Hastings, East Sussex


Ruth Sandys Edwards
Head of Webbe's Cookery School - A Cutting Edge Food & Wine School
Tel 07747 654680
Email ruth@webbesrestaurants.co.uk
www.webbesrestaurants.co.uk