THE fishing community along the Holderness coast say this year's catch is the worst they have seen in 20 years, because of the prolonged bad weather.
More than 200 people are directly employed on 70 boats based from Flamborough down to Spurn Point.
Jo Ackers, company secretary of the Independent Shellfishermen's Co-operative (Bridlington), said: "The catches are massively down, with some fishermen saying it is the worst start to a year for 20 years.
"March last year was like summer. This year it has been like the depths of winter.
"Some vessels aren't even going out because it's not worth wasting the fuel.
"The majority are, but it is simply to turn the pots over and check what damage has been caused by the winter weather."
The first-sale value of shellfish in Bridlington is worth between £6m and £7m annually, with much of the catch being sent to restaurants in mainland Europe.
Mrs Ackers said: "The shellfish have been affected by the temperature.
"Crabs and lobsters go into a state of hibernation when the sea is as cold as it has been. It is about 6C now, but it was possibly as low as 2C.
"When the sea temperature warms up, the shellfish come out looking for food.
"It has been horrendous for the fishermen. If the catch isn't there, they cannot do business.
"What is being caught is being sold at Christmas prices – supply and demand.
"The price usually drops after Easter, but this year it hasn't.
"We are optimistic things will pick up soon."
Earlier this month, thousands of shellfish, fish and even a porpoise were found washed up along a one-mile stretch between Barmston and Fraisthorpe – the majority of which had starved to death.
Twenty-five local fishermen managed to rescue about 450 lobsters.
Mrs Ackers said: "It was carnage on the beach, with thousands of different animals.
"The reason was a combination of factors, with the sea being unseasonably cold and the lobsters being quite lethargic and not getting enough food. They have also been battered by the easterly winds and huge tides.
"The majority of the shellfish were inshore, so if it has an effect, it will have an impact on the smaller vessels.
"The impact will not necessarily be just this year.
"A lot of the shellfish that were washed up were carrying eggs, so it could have an impact seven years down the line."
There have been reports the bad weather has led to landings on Scotland's east coast falling by up to 90 per cent.
It has also damaged equipment and many have been unable to get out to sea because many of the piers and jetties have been washed away by the long winter's storms.
The shortages have led to some restaurants taking lobster off the menu.
Chef James Goacher, of the Naked Fish restaurant in Bridge Street, Bridlington, said: "We've not had lobster at all this year.
"I would usually be selling 20 to 30 on a weekend.
"But, with the cold weather, the price is just too expensive.
"I've never known it this bad but when the water warms up I am sure the price will come down and things will improve."
