EU referendum: "Catch 22" for Grimsby's fishing industry

As part of our build up to Thursday's EU referendum - we've been in Grimsby finding out what it could all mean for the town's fishing industry.

There's been a big decline in the industry over the years and while some think exiting Europe could trigger a boost - others disagree.

Martyn Boyers - chief executive of Grimsby Fish Market - says there are pros and cons to both leaving and remaining in the EU.

"If we vote to stay we are voting for the same so we know what we are going to get which is an unsatisfactory policy but is that better than having an unsatisfactory policy that doesn't exist? It is a difficult decision and I am struggling to make a decision that is right for the business, right for myself and right for my family.

"The catching side has reduced from what it used to be, processing is still strong but the amount of fishermen now is down to an all-time low so fishing itself is under pressure but stock along the coast line is also under pressure."

The EU's Common Fisheries Policy limits the amount of fish each member state can catch and some campaigners think leaving Europe would help boost the industry as they'd no longer have to share seas.

But Martyn says it's not that simple and could lead to no policy at all in place - which could be worse:

"The Common Fisheries Policy is very much restricted to give flexibility to the fishing fleet around the UK. You have a one size fits all policy which doesn't work but it's better than having no policy.

"The policy isn't perfect and a lot of people don't like it but it is better than having a free for all.

"To have some form of regulation is perfectly reasonable because the objective is to create sustainability for the future and we do need to make sure the fish that is caught is sustainable and to do that you do need the scientific advice which is generated as part of the EU Fisheries Policy."

• Local News