Lochhead to meet
Mar 27th, 2009 | By ssacn | Category: Scottish Executive Newswith Scotland’s fishing industry leaders over the coming weeks as part of to find a way through the impact of the current economic crisis and the implementation of the days at sea regime, which are making life difficult for some of the Scottish fleets
The government is looking to increase the number of buy back options under the Conservation Credits scheme and are ready to consider further suggestions regarding the longer term system for allocating effort. They have also given skippers the option of bringing forward 10 days from their allocation later in the year.
Mr Lochhead said:
"We recognise the tough measures that Scotland’s fishing communities are facing right now and the effect that these are having on the industry. The EU’s outdated and broken Common Fisheries Policy, combined with the current economic situation, is having a dreadful impact on our fishing communities, and we have worked hard to offset the very worst of its impact.
"At December Council we helped secure a deal that allowed cuts in days at sea to be avoided if vessels adopt new conservation efforts. This helped to avoid some distinctly unpalatable alternatives such as the closure of the lucrative west coast prawn fishery and having 25 per cent cuts in days at sea across the board. We are working with the industry to develop these measures, which are also having an impact on our European neighbours.
"Nonetheless we recognise that the industry’s difficulties are further compounded by the current economic crisis. This is hitting communities and industries hard across Scotland and the fishing industry is no different.”
Others though have contacted SSACN questioning the latter statement saying there is a tremendous difference between the effort being made to support what is in effect a minor industry sector versus the level of support being given to other industries where jobs and communities are equally at stake – if you have an opinion, please contact us.
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