AS the country weighs up the pros and cons of staying in the European Union, there is one group who feel they have more to lose than most.

Since 1975 fishermen have seen their trade change beyond all recognition.

Before becoming members of the then Common Market following a referendum, the UK, like every other country in the world, had a 200 nautical mile protected fishing zone which fishermen from other countries couldn't breach.

Once we joined the Common Market, however, this was reduced to 12 miles and trawlers from all European countries were able to fish UK seas at will.

It is just one sore point among fisherman in south Essex who now almost unanimously want out of the European Union.

Leigh fisherman Paul Gilson said: "We've got to come out. The EU regulations are now so bizarre. You can't legislate for the whole EU with the same rules. It doesn't work.

"We had a drift net ban - one of the most efficient ways of fishing all for offences that happened in the Mediterranean. It was eventually overturned but it caused a huge amount of trouble and grief. Then there are the quotas. We can only catch two boxes of skate a month.

"We have had to bear the impact of dredging on breeding grounds in the estuary which was backed by EU money now they are saying we have to protect the sea bed and we have got to stop fishing.

"The impact of Draconian EU rules and quotas have been devastating. Look at the Ray in Leigh. It used to be packed with fishing boats, now they've all gone."

Mr Gilson, 62, added: "Sea anglers are hit too with a ridiculous rule that they can only catch one sea bass a day. It's all to protect Greek sea bass farms."

Asked what EU rule fisherman would like to see overturned first, Mr Gilson said: "First we would like to have fishing back to the meridian line, and have more control over larger areas of our seas. Of course we accept we will have other boats in our waters but the 12-mile limit has seen all our big boats go. There are only a couple of places in England now where big boats still operate. Most of them now are in Scotland."

Fisherman were once scathing about quotas which led many to throw fish back into the sea if they had gone over their quotas. It meant many dead fish were discarded needlessly.

To address this, a so-called discard ban was brought in, meaning fisherman must land all their catch even if they go over quotas. However, some are still alive and would have lived if thrown back- but fishermen say they now end up in landfill.

Mr Gilson said: "If we came out of the EU we would be able to set our own quotas much more efficiently. We do have to deal with overfishing. We don't want a free for all. It has to be managed properly."

Mr Gilson has taken to wearing an "Out" t-shirt.

"He said: "Most people back us I wore my Out shirt the night and got a phenomenally positive response from people. I hope the vote goes the right way. I think the EU will attack us in anyway they can if we stay in because we will be captive. I hate the idea that could happen."

A huge flotilla of boats are due to back the leave campaign by congregating at Southend Pier, just as they did back in 1975 when they opposed that referendum.

On June 15 they will set off from the pier and travel up the Thames to London.

Mr Gilson said: "There will be big boats 83metres long, several from up north. They keep saying Scottish fishermen want to remain in the EU but that's not what we hear.

"It's going to be quite a sight!"