The Cabinet Secretary will also press for greater regionalised control of the fishing industry through reform of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.
Richard Lochhead is meeting with UK Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon today and will emphasise that cuts in fishing effort need to be put on hold.
He said:
“Scottish fishermen have worked tirelessly to help stock recovery. However to take a further cut in fishing time under the cod recovery plan, on top of increasingly deep cuts already applied over the last few years, would be too much for a vulnerable fleet. We do not yet know the outcome of the current review of the plan. Therefore effort cuts need to be put on hold until the review is complete.
“I will discuss this urgent matter with Mr Benyon and look at how a pause could be delivered. I will of course also emphasise the need to work closely with industry to develop measures that significantly improve fishing selectivity and reduce discards, measures which can reduce the effects of any proposed effort cuts.”
Meanwhile tomorrow Mr Lochhead will appear before the Westminster Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee regarding the Common Fisheries Policy.
