Statement by all UK Fisheries Ministers on Quota Management and Licensing in full here. 

Extract ::

There has been considerable discussion of the Scottish proposals regarding the future of quota management and licensing arrangements in recent months, with significant differences of view emerging.

Following constructive discussions between all four Fisheries Ministers, we are pleased to announce the establishment of a quadrilateral Ministerial Working Group which will deliver proposals for quota management and licensing reforms. This is a new Working Group with a new basis on which to take forward discussions. These discussions will be broad enough to ensure we can take into account the full picture, but it will be mainly focused on:

    * How can fisheries management arrangements be improved in areas such as quota and licensing?
    * How can these arrangements help safeguard and support vulnerable, fishing dependent communities?
    * How can our shared experiences of quota management and licensing best influence and inform discussions on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy?

By setting up this Working Group, we have established a way forward for Quota Management and Licensing.

Richard Lochhead said:

"Following positive discussions with the UK Minister, we have agreed that now is not the time for a protracted legal wrangle over the different views as to what extent quota management and licensing is devolved. The best approach is to set up a Joint Ministerial Group to take forward discussions on how fisheries management arrangements can be improved. This group will look at a range of issues, including safeguarding vulnerable coastal communities and how all parts of the UK can implement appropriate management measures to meet their industry’s needs.

"The package of quota and licensing management proposals I developed with the Scottish industry over the last year is aimed at safeguarding our fishing communities, and ensuring future generations of fishermen have similar opportunities to the current generation. I would like to thank the Scottish fishing industry for all their valuable input to my consultation, which will feed into and be considered by this new process.

SSACN – What a pity he can’t have as flexible an attitude to safeguarding recreational stocks and communities.

Related posts:

1. Ministerial statement on MPAs
2. UK Marine Policy Statement (MPS)
3. Marine Policy Statement and Marine Planning Seminar
4. Draft UK priorities for 2009 fisheries negotiations
5. UK Fisheries Meeting