Brett, Sharon and Ian Pearce will continue to run the successful Crab Cabin, but they have advised their other son, Jake, to get out of fishing and forge a career ashore. (Picture by Daniel Guerin, 0585928)

THE owner of the award-winning Crab Cabin has advised his two sons to get out of the fishing industry before it collapses.

Fisherman Ian Pearce, 49, has run the seafood shop with his wife Sharon, 45, for 17 years.  His advice comes despite almost two decades of continuing success.

‘I have been at sea for more than 30 years and I have never seen a greater threat to our industry than these fuel prices. It has never been as bad as this,’ said Mr Pearce whose catch includes crabs, lobsters and crayfish. ‘If the oil price keeps going up, it will be the death of Guernsey fishing for sure. It could put everyone out of business.’

The couple’s popular business at Les Abreuveurs was nominated by Guernsey Press readers in the Food Heroes competition which celebrated local produce. The couple supply restaurants and hotels and Mr Pearce sells his catch  in France and England.  Although the couple have no intention of closing their thriving business, this week their eldest son, Jake, 19, left working on his father’s boat for good.