Bertie Armstrong, the chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, will tell a seminar at the Fishing 2009 exhibition in Glasgow tomorrow (15 May) that resolving the current ‘unworkable’ number of fishing days allocated to the fishing fleet is an urgent priority
The SFF is currently working closely with the Scottish Government to make the best out of a bad situation by trying to work out the most equitable solution under the current ‘pot’ of days that was allocated to Scotland. But the ultimate aim is to try and get the EC to rethink its policy.
“We are working closely with the Scottish Government to make the best of a bad job so that we can allocate the current ‘pot’ of days in the most efficient manner possible,” said Mr Armstrong.
“While this will help the current difficult situation, the real answer is to get the EC to agree on a effort control scheme that will contribute to cod recovery and, crucially, maintain fleet profitability We are all committed to sustainability, both of the stocks and of the industry.
“We welcome the response by the Cabinet Secretary to requests this week that he will take the matter to the Council of Ministers. No one is challenging the drive to sustainability, everyone is challenging the unrealistic severity of the current regulatory framework.
“At the recent Scottish Fisheries Council meeting, the Scottish Government has also agreed to our request to work with stakeholders produce a strategy for the Scottish fishing industry over the medium to long-term. This will help in producing viable and sustainable fisheries management policies for the future.”
