Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans is writing to supermarkets in Wales to ask them to think again about their policy on selling imported lobster and other shellfish when local fishermen in the area are having to export their catch - something which has proved very difficult recently. The problem was highlighted to Jill by Ceredigion fisherman Rob Gorman.

Jill Evans said:

"Rob has told me that local fishermen have had surplus lobster because of the recent blockades of French ports. This would normally have gone to Spain. Coupled with the rise in fuel costs, this has caused real financial difficulties for operators of the Welsh fishing fleet,

"But whilst around 140,000 tonnes of lobster and shellfish is exported each year, a very similar amount is imported from north America, especially Canada. At a time when everyone is talking about sourcing food locally, and supporting local enterprise, these figures show that there is a lot of work to be done.

"I have been heavily involved in the 'food miles' campaign in the European Parliament, which encourages people to cut food miles and buy local. This is not something which can be changed overnight, but at least we can try to persuade the supermarkets that they should think again and look to local suppliers of quality produce."

Jill continued:

"I know that the Welsh Federation of Fishermen's Associations is looking into emerging markets in the Far and Middle East but this is long term, and clearly a market closer to home would be a far better proposition for operators of fishing vessels in west Wales.

"This would certainly be in tune with the recent initiative by Rural Affairs Minister and Plaid AM Elin Jones who talked about the growing demand for local produce presenting a golden opportunity. I believe that this can apply just as well to the 'fruits of the sea'."

The Plaid MEP said that she would report back to Rob Gorman and to the Welsh Federation of Fishermen's Associations once the supermarkets had responded.