THE struggling fishing industry is to receive a boost with proposals for new developments at two harbours in the region.

A shellfish holding tank could be developed on the fish market at Whitby, and a lobster hatchery at Scarborough Harbour.

The proposals have been put forward by the Sea Fish Industry Authority after it carried out a study of the harbours, both of which date back several centuries.

The shellfish scheme, likely to cost £300,000, would maximise the value of the fishery at Whitby, while the lobster hatchery would have an adjoining visitor centre.