A MAJOR probe into the future of two harbours is to be carried out in the wake of dramatic slumps in fishing catches and reductions in fleets.

Scarborough Council's cabinet is being recommended to appoint the Sea Fish Industry Authority to carry out a detailed investigation into the state of the fishing industry and ways of boosting it after the problems at Whitby and Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

In a report to councillors, John Trebble, the council's chief executive, said Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, is being asked to pay the £20,000 bill for the study.

He said the fishing industry, which dates back 800 years, had seen many changes in recent years, especially as a result of the EU Common Fisheries Policy and the reduction in allowable catches of white fish.

He said the study would look at changes in technology, catching and processing fish, as well as the infrastructure of the two harbours.

He said investigations were under way into developing shellfish storage at Whitby.

He said: "The study will help in the diversification and economic health of the ports by identifying necessary changes for increased economic returns, and the rational use of harbour facilities.

"The report's recommendations will enable the council and the fishing industry to consider changes to the harbours, which should improve financial returns on both sides."