A BOAT which plays a key role in a heritage fishery has been stolen.

The 17ft SALAR2 is used by the fishermen of the Black Rock lave net heritage fishery at Portskewett near Caldicot.

On New Year’s day, a local man reported that the boat and trailer had been taken from the compound at Black Rock.

The boat and trailer were stolen sometime between the morning of Saturday, December 29 and 2.15pm on Monday, January 1.

Lave nets spokesman Martin Morgan said: “The trailer had only one wheel so the thieves must have had a spare or loaded it all onto a flatbed wagon.

“This is devastating for the fishermen as the boat is an essential part of the fishing.

“She was a great boat to fish from and a great sea boat.

“Our equipment had been kept in the same place in the close season for 20 plus years with no problems.

The boat has the name SALAR 2 on the side and a Welsh flag sticker.

“She is grey and has a very deep keel.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the fishermen on 0778 867 2001 or Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 342 of January 1.