by Ed Cullinane

The ‘fishing village’ Port Isaac is at risk of flooding — because it doesn’t do enough fishing to cover the cost of repairing its crumbling harbor, locals say.

Officials in Port Isaac say one if its breakwaters needs fixing — or it will be deluged by the sea.

But it says despite being a famous ‘fishing village’ there are only two boats left in its fleet — and can’t cover costs of mending the problem.

The Port Isaac Harbour Commission said damage to one of its breakwaters will cost an “eye-watering” amount to fix.

Locals say only two boats remain in the village’s fishing fleet — and the port doesn’t make enough money to stop the breakwaters flooding.

They say if the breakwaters fail, the bottom of the picturesque village will flood, reports the BBC.

Repair costs are said to be £40,000, with a fundraising page set up.

The Harbour Commission also say they intend to set up a fishing apprenticeship scheme to encourage new fishing boats to use the harbour.

In December, a £10-million scheme was announced by the UK government to encourage new entrants into the fishing sector, and train and upskill those already working in it.

A fall from 41,837 tonnes in 2014 to 5,380 tonnes of crab catches in 2020 has sped up the fishing industry’s rapid decline in the town.

The harbour commission said: “The harbour commission is getting a survey done with the view to it be repaired; the estimated cost is eye watering.

“If there are no commercial boats left in the harbour there will be no one around to look after the infrastructure and it will be only a matter of time until the breakwaters fall in to disrepair.

“With sea levels rising, the bottom of the village will be regularly flooded and become unsustainable and uninsurable.’’

Calum Greenhalgh, a fisherman from Port Isaac, told the BBC: “We cant afford to pay for the upkeep.

“The harbour will fall into disrepair and then the bottom of the village will flood”.

North Cornwall MP Scott Mann has since offered to help with a bid to the National Heritage Lottery fund to help aid repairs.