Inependent fishermen in south Essex today welcomed a Government move to swell their catches as a great boost for the industry.

They will now be allowed to catch an extra 50 tons of Dover sole off the east coast of Britain after years of being plagued by harsh European Union quotas.

The new quotas have been applauded as the first step towards giving smaller fisheries greater financial stability, allowing them to attract investment.

Mick Alwood, chairman of Holehaven Fishermans' Association, said the new Dover sole quotas were the first sign of the Government and EU fisheries bosses addressing the plight of inshore fisherman in this country.

He said after years of seeing their quotas diminishing as larger organisations were allowed to catch more and more fish, it seemed smaller operators were at last being given a chance.

Mr Alwood said: "The new quotas are a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel for us. They are a major step forward."

He claimed new EU legislation brought in at the start of the year forced foreign vessels registered as English to prove they have economic links with Britain, either by landing their catches here or using British workers.

As part of that requirement the Dutch fishing industry agreed, through Fisheries Minister Elliot Morley, to free 50 tons of their quota of Dover sole.

Fishermen will also be allowed to start fishing on April 8, two weeks earlier than in past years.

Paul Gilson, acting chairman of Leigh and Southend Fishermans' Association, also welcomed the new quotas.

He said: "Actually getting 50 tons more a year is a hell of a bonus for us and will take the pressure off a lot of people."

However, he added this is just the start, as the quotas are for fishermen with boats under 10 metres, so those with boats over 10 metres will need help in the near future.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.