According to new research from Stormline, UK fishing industry members felt that they were unfairly portrayed and misled during, and after, the EU referendum.
The study involved more than 700 people working within the industry and found that 80% believed the media’s coverage was misleading and 78% felt the industry was portrayed unfairly.
“Britain’s membership of the EU has had a direct and material impact on the lives of people working in the fishing industry for many years. Some blame EU fishing quotas for the decline of the British fishing industry, others in the industry believe the EU has had a positive impact on British fishing,” said Regan McMillan, director of Stormline.
He added: “Regardless of how they voted, anyone who relies on the fishing industry will have had to consider how their decision impacts on their own livelihood and future. For many, this will have been the main factor that drove their decision.”
Over 80% of those involved in the study who voted for the UK to leave the EU complained that the media portrayed them as being ‘racist’.
Stormline’s research found that a worrying 8% found the media treated the industry fairly, and only 2% felt that the media was generous in its view of the fishing industry.
Mr McMillan explained: “Yet one of the most dominant post-Brexit narratives was that Leave voters were either racist, out-of-touch, or they were tricked. For any person that relies on the fishing industry for their livelihood – and who put a lot of thought into their vote – this accusation will be hard to stomach.
“Our study shows that both Leave and Remain voters in the industry felt marginalised and misled by parts of the mainstream media.”
The mainstream media coverage of the EU Referendum was ignored by just 7% of individuals and 13% said they ignored the mainstream media’s portrayal of the industry.
