THE Yorkshire Coast's fishing industry, which dates back nearly 800 years, is to get a lifeline of nearly £500,000 after suffering decline in recent years.

It results from the setting up of the Yorkshire Coast Fishing Forum four years ago to explore ways of developing the industry and creating a long-term strategic framework.

Now a draft blueprint has been drawn up which aims to provide the industry at Scarborough, Whitby and Filey with new hope, says Scarborough Borough Council chief executive John Trebble.

An action package has been drawn up costing £483,500 and Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, is being asked to contribute £269,500.

Five action points are to be targeted - research into the effects of no-trawl fishing zones, a study of the needs of the ports, setting up a European network of training in IT and the internet for those employed in the industry, re-designing the fish market hall at Whitby, and exploring the potential of the bass fishing stock.

"The strategy will provide a framework for the development priorities of the fishing industry," said Mr Trebble in a report to the council's overview and scrutiny committee for economic development

and harbours.

The forum says in its strategy: "The fishing industry on the North Yorkshire coast has for centuries sustained the local economy. Even today, while it is by no means the mainstay of the community, it still provide a valuable economic, social and cultural asset to the borough."

The sea fish industry has told the council that when it carried out a recent study, it found the quality of fish of "an exceptionally high quality."

However, it says that improvements should be made by encouraging fishing crews to use electronic weighing-at-sea equipment, and to take ice on board when going to the fishing grounds.

Its report hits out at those in the fishing industry for not adhering to

notices banning smoking and eating, and urging the wearing of protective clothing.

Updated: 11:56 Wednesday, December 10, 2003