The SNP say

They’ve got what it takes to save Scottish sea angling – the following is our response to and the original email / press release from Ian Hudghton MEP.

The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network 

Any help that can be given to ‘Save Scottish Sea Angling’ will naturally be welcomed by the 100,000+ sea anglers who enjoy sea fishing in Scottish waters.

It should also be welcomed by the Scottish Government, as sea angling contributes in excess of £150 million/yr to the national economy; for many coastal communities it also extends their tourism season, provides jobs and underpins their local economies.

However, just wresting control from the EU is insufficient, there needs to be a total change in mindset with respect to the management of stocks of interest to sea anglers by the Scottish Government as well if sea angling is to survive.

In the last two decades or so, primarily due to political mismanagement and lack of effective controls, the stocks of twenty species of fish which were once common in our inshore waters have been depleted to the point where they are considered locally extinct in many areas.

For the stocks of interest to sea anglers ( the vast majority of which are of no major interest to the commercial sector ), SUSTAINABLE exploitation is not the answer, there needs to be a substantial focus on REGENERATION.

In meetings with the government, we have proposed the introduction of Angling Regeneration Centres (ARCs) – areas where the emphasis is on the regeneration of stocks through conservation, education and non-destructive exploitation.

Although you may claim you have what it takes to save Scottish sea angling, it is difficult to see how this will be achieved in reality unless the management of the stocks of interest to sea anglers is open, transparent and inclusive and the government creates documented policies, strategies or proposals to address the issues faced by sea anglers.

Consequently, I doubt sea anglers will be able to "enjoy their sport for generations to come" if that isn’t done and inshore stocks continue to be decimated at the current rate.

Not only will this be an ecological disaster, it will also be an incredible social loss – sea angling is part of our national heritage and is a socially inclusive, environmentally friendly, low impact and selective fishing activity which increases the quality of life of its participants, young and old, male and female alike.

Thanks for your mail, at least you are trying to do something.

It along with our response will be disseminated to all on our mailing list and will be placed on our web site – www.ssacn.org

Regards

Steve Bastiman.

SSACN - Chairman

www.ssacn.org

skype id :: johnshaven

John MacInnes wrote: 

Please feel free to disseminate to your own internal mailing lists.

**********************************************************

For Immediate Release: 2nd June 2009

Attn: NEWSDESKS
 FISHERIES CORRESPONDENTS

WE’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO SAVE SCOTTISH SEA ANGLING

SNP WILL KEEP CONTROLS IN SCOTLAND

SNP President Ian Hudghton MEP has today (Tuesday) vowed to step up the
SNP’s campaign to retain control of recreational sea angling in Scotland.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s European parliamentary election, Mr Hudghton
said that the impending review of the Common Fisheries Policy would give
the European Commission a second opportunity to seek to gain powers over
recreational angling.

In a proposal published last year the Commission attempted to apply CFP
quota regulations to sea angling.  While the Commission’s proposals were
rejected by the European Parliament, the matter is still being discussed
by the EU’s member states.

Mr Hudghton commented:

“Sea angling is enjoyed by countless people around Scotland’s coasts and
makes important contributions to local economies.  Generations have pushed
out from the shore to enjoy a day’s fishing around our bays, sea lochs and
islands.

“The Commission’s initial attempt to apply quotas to hobby fishermen was
rejected by the European Parliament.  Nevertheless, we must proceed with
vigilance and the Commission have shown that they are taking an interest
in the subject.

“The next three years will see important decisions taken on the future of
European fisheries policy and we have been told that no stone will be left
unturned.  We are confident that we can win back control of fisheries for
Scotland’s parliament.  However, we must ensure that the Commission
doesn’t take the opportunity to extend their influence into new areas such
as angling.

“The SNP are committed to returning all fisheries powers to Europe’s
fishing nations – and we will ensure that Scotland’s sea anglers can enjoy
their sport for generations to come.”

ENDS

Category: SSACN Announcements