Brexit: Dorset seafood exporter warns of ‘end of the industry’
Much of the fishing industry voted for Brexit……
The “end of the seafood industry” on the south coast of England could be caused by post-Brexit export problems, a Dorset fish merchant has said.
Charlie Samways said extra paperwork and IT issues mean perishable seafood exports from West Bay were taking twice as long to reach customers in the EU.
As a third country outside the European Customs Union, UK exports are subject to new customs and veterinary checks.
The government said it was in contact with the industry to address issues.
Mr Samways, whose family has operated in West Bay for 60 years, buys seafood from 150 local fishermen, much of which is exported to customers in France, Spain and Italy.