THE EU'S European Fishing Policy is a mess, that much is true no matter which end of the political spectrum you are viewing it from.

The practice of dumping fish over the side once quota levels have been reached is quite wrong and, to use the buzz-word of the eco-generation, it is 'unsustainable'.

Fishing is not an exact science, however much the rule-makers would like to have the quotas fixed in terms of species and quantities. Fishing conditions move, as the song has it, with the changing of the seasons and the tides of the sea.

Local experts are far better placed to set and monitor quota levels than those based centrally in the EU, and throwing away a by-catch is simply wrong.

As an election approaches, you can be sure that all parties will send their fisheries experts to the ports of the south west, all of them with different solutions to the problem.

But solved it must be. The resources of the sea are finite, and the livelihood of ports like Brixham depends on their correct management.

MORE than 1,000 members of the Young Farmers organisation are coming to Torbay over the weekend.

They will receive a civic welcome, they will debate the issues of the day in rural living and they will take part in public speaking, drama and sports competitions.

There is also a slight possibility that one or two of them might have a drink.

And Torbay should welcome them with open arms.

It is true that in the past, a minority of drunken louts has tainted the image of the Young Farmers in Torbay with acts of vandalism and other disturbances.

But the organisation has apologised, and promised to do better.

We should take them at their word and extend a warm welcome.

Torbay needs visitors. It needs conference delegates. It needs the Young Farmers.

At this time of the season it needs all the help it can get.

Next month an even larger gathering of Young Farmers is scheduled. A successful weekend now will help the bigger event to become memorable for all the right reasons this time.