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The Welsh Fishermen's Association (WFA) warned "people would start going out of business" after just four weeks if Britain leaves without a deal, with new customs checks and restrictions causing severe border delays.

Sion Williams, a lobster and crab fisherman, who works near Nefyn, Gwynedd, in north Wales, said fishermen were increasingly concerned over the possibility of a no deal Brexit, which they claim would severely disrupt the transport of fish and other livestock.



He insisted maintaining access to European markets was vital to UK's fishing sector, and expressed concerns over Britain leaving bloc without an agreement.



He said: "So much has been promised and people's hopes have been raised. I don't think anyone voted for things to get worse.

The industry would not be able to hold on more than four weeks Sion Williams

"Of all the food producers exporting to Europe, the shellfish sector would be the most vulnerable if we have no deal."



In Wales, 92 percent of registered vessels specialise in catching shellfish such as lobster, crab, whelks and mussels.



In 2017, Welsh fishermen sold 90 percent of their shellfish to EU markets, contributing a total £38.8m to the fishing sector.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Williams added: "Any delay in the transit of these commodities will cause a lot of problems as they are live shellfish and they need to be supplied as soon as possible.

Fishermen say they would go out of business in just four weeks if Britain leaves the EU with no deal

"If they're held up in ports, they can deteriorate, lose value and even die."



"It's been calculated that the industry would not be able to hold on more than four weeks of not being able to sell products into Europe.



"Because of the high cost of fishing enterprises, people expect to get a quick turnaround of money to support their businesses."



He insisted the British and Welsh governments must provide financial assistance to UK's fishing industry if no Brexit agreement is made.

Maintaining access to EU markets is vital to UK's fishing industry, Mr Williams warned

Mr Williams also said that tariffs of 6 percent for crabs and 8 percent for lobsters would be imposed if the UK does not arrange a substantial trade deal with the EU.



A seafood restaurant chain in North Wales claimed the cost of shellfish would rise in the UK, declaring they were preparing for a Brexit backlash.



But Gemma Webb, events manager at Dylan's, which has three sites in Criccieth, Menai Bridge and Llandudno, said local fishermen could see a good return from Brexit.



She said: "In some ways it could be good for the local fishing industry because surely if it is more difficult to get produce from abroad lots of restaurants here will be buying from local producers."



British fishermen say shellfish produce would be most affected by a no deal Brexit