Article 47 slammed by Arbroath

politicians and boat owners. Once again the idea of forcing small boat owners who take out recreational anglers to declare the number and type of fish caught by their customers has been declared a nonsense.

According to Conservative MEP Candidate Belinda Don "The legislation, due before the EP next month is aimed at protecting stocks of tuna in the Mediterranean, which are sought for their high monetary value.

"The EU fisheries commissioner has already stated that the impact to Scottish boat owners is an unintended consequence of that. This of course, will be of little comfort to Arbroath boat owners and the hundreds of thousands of recreational anglers in Scotland who will be forced to comply with this law”

Arbroath Councillor Jim Millar added: "Arbroath harbour has a number of boats that take out fishing parties.

“These boat owners play a large, though often unrecognised part in the tourism economy which is so important up here. Holidaymakers from abroad often book angling trips and enjoy a day at sea, this legislation will add another burden of time and cost to an industry sector that does not have its troubles to seek.”

Conservative MP candidate Alberto Costa commented: "I am appalled at this proposal. This will be yet more useless red tape for a sector that has year-round costs, but a relatively short fishing season and has also had to contend with very high diesel prices, national and international recession."

SSACN have long pointed out, sea angling contributes around £150 million per year to the Scotland Plc supporting many jobs, businesses and coastal economies. This is being threatened by legislation aimed at solving issues which do not exist in Scotland, creating an additional burden without any reason or benefit.

The SNP government and all political representatives (MSP’s, MEP’s and MP’s) should not only get together and fight this ridiculous Article but should also work with sea angling organisations to ensure the sector is given a better and fairer representation in inshore fisheries management.

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