FISHERMEN from across the county have accused the Welsh Government of driving them into poverty through harsh caps on what they can catch.

On Monday, more than 20 local fishermen sacrificed a day on the water to meet with Lesley Griffiths AM, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs.

But hopes of a face-to-face meeting, and a chance to raise their concerns, were scuppered when Ms Griffiths drove straight past the group and their placards.

In a letter handed to Ms Griffiths, group spokesman Steve DeWain urged the minister to ‘open her eyes’ to what they see as mismanagement of the industry.

“Fishermen in Wales are being forced into poverty by policy decision as one after another of our fisheries are made economically unviable,” read the letter.

“There is no incentive for anyone to invest in the Welsh fishing industry.

“Young people are the lifeblood of our industry and none are coming through.”

Mr DeWain said recent quota restrictions on bass fishing were making survival almost impossible for independent fishermen, especially when facing competition from European trawlers.

Many of those protesting said they were now working for below minimum wage, due to caps on how much they can fish.

“They’ve cut half our quota in a matter of 24 hours, and before that there was no quota at all,” said bass fisher Anthony Court of Saundersfoot.

He said he was unable to diversify: “Our boats won’t fish anything else, they’re not built for it - we can’t do anything else.”

He is now looking at either cutting staff next year, or only fishing for part of the year, when prices are better.

“By the time you take fuel off, and tackle, and replace an engine, it soon adds up,” he said.

“You’ve got to fish more in worse weather to try and get the numbers,” added Owen Davies.

“We’re struggling to make ends meet. The government just want small fisheries shut down, that’s what it feels like.

“I don’t think the public realise what is happening.

“We need to get them on side so they see what is going on.”