ANGLING could be banned from Maryport docks in a bid to save trawler crews from injury.
Maryport Harbour Authority chairman Rob Rimmer has said that ongoing concern about fishermen being injured by carelessly cast lines could lead to a ban, if the situation cannot be remedied.
Trawlermen revealed at a meeting that they are afraid they may be injured by fishing hooks cast by anglers from the narrow south pier. Crews said someone could be injured or even lose an eye. Many boat owners agree that there is a need for action, adding that, when challenged, anglers are becoming verbally abusive. 
Fishing co-op boss, John McAvoy has said that it has been going on for decades. “It’s always been a problem, for years and years.”
He said that anglers were ignoring the signs against fishing from the pier as well as the warnings from trawler crews when they tell them to pull in their in their lines. “They don’t conform to the rules of the boats,” he added.
Larger boats snag the fishing lines but owners of smaller vessels are concerned that they will be injured.
Mr McAvoy said that people would not want to see it banned altogether, “Nine out of ten do it responsibly”. He does not want fishing off the pier to be banned because it is something that he did as a young man and many fishermen do not cause a problem.
However, The Harbour Authority said at the meeting that something would have to be done. The authority may take further action and even introduce a law against fishing from the pier. 
Residents and stakeholders expressed concern about the condition of ladders and abandoned boats. Harbour Master Lauren Banbury said this was being attended to: “What we’re going for is an upgrade and to make this a pioneer fishing port.” Bunkering of vessels will be subject to approval from the Harbour Master to avoid the environmental impact of oil spillages, “If there is a spill, we can act”.
The problem was discussed in a meeting at Maryport Navy Club between stakeholders and residents of the harbour.