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Hastings has the largest beach-based fishing fleet in England.

A harbour began construction in the late 1800's but funding ran out. The harbour arm was partially blown up during World War II to prevent the enemy using it, and so the boats have continued using the beach.

Around fifteen wooden and steel boats still fish and are moored on Harbour Beach to the East of the Harbour Arm. They are pushed into and pulled out of the water by bulldozers and winches. This would once have been done by horse walking around a circular winch.

The fleets future is constantly under threat due to increasing quota pressures.