Figures obtained by the Conservatives in Lancashire's main fishing port of Fleetwood have revealed that, around the UK, fishermen are forced to throw away millions of tonnes of dead fish back in the sea every year.
Eric Ollerenshaw, prospective Conservative MP for Lancaster & Fleetwood, said: "It is staggering that Labour have failed to deal with this total scandal of fishermen forced to throw back parts of their catch. You would have thought they could at least pull this one nail out of the coffin they have created for what is left of Fleetwood's fishing industry."
Between 2001 and 2006, the number of fishermen at Fleetwood fell from 206 to 127 while those fishermen who are left are forced to throw back millions of fish every year.
In the North Sea, English and Welsh fishing vessels have thrown back five million cod in the last three years. In 2007, they were forced to throw back three out of every four plaice caught.
Eric added: "For every cod bought in our local fish and chip shop, another fish is being thrown back into the sea dead."
Conservatives have pledged better quota allocations and marine conservation measures while funds raised from over-quota fish will be used to help the fishing industry invest in targeted and sustainable gear.