Fishermen protest over rising fuel costs

By Andrew Hough

LONDON (Reuters) - Fishermen protested in central London on Tuesday to demand urgent government aid to protect them from rising fuel costs.

A survival package was needed as a matter of utmost urgency to save the industry from "horrendous" consequences, officials said.

The National Federation of Fishermen (NFF) and the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) have joined forces to urge the government to offer short-term, temporary aid.

Dozens of fisherman protested in central London on Tuesday before officials met fisheries minister, Jonathan Shaw.

They were the latest to protest against the price of oil after truckers and fishermen in Europe took to the streets last week.

The government said it understood the difficulties fisherman faced and was working hard to find a solution.

Fishermen say rising fuel prices, which have doubled over the past year, are threatening their viability.

SFF research showed that for a typical fishing trip, fuel accounted for almost half of its cost.