A major review of the management of one of Scotland’s national assets – its fish quota – was outlined today.
The new proposals give the Scottish Government greater control of fish quota while putting fishermen at the heart of management and strengthening coastal communities for generations to come.
Key recommendations include:
Safeguarding Scotland’s traditional fishing rights for now and the future by keeping them in Scotland
Making sure Scottish fishermen get their fair share of quota providing stability and security so that businesses can plan for the future
Making sure fishing quotas are only held by businesses who fish them
Encouraging new blood into the industry by seeking to develop a new entrants scheme that will allow new fishermen to access quota
Reforming licensing to make it simpler and user-friendly so reducing business costs
Launching the consultation ‘Safeguarding Our Fishing Rights: The Future of Quota Management and Licensing in Scotland’ at Pittenweem harbour in Fife, Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
“Fishing provides the lifeblood of many of Scotland’s communities and sustains tens of thousands of jobs. It is vital that we take steps to safeguard the historic rights for future generations. This review will help achieve that. The arrangements governing fishing rights are crucial as they provide access to our rich fishing grounds.
“That is why the proposals I have outlined today set out an ambitious new path for Scotland which will allow arrangements to be tailored to Scottish needs. They will put in place new arrangements that will safeguard Scotland’s traditional fishing rights for future generations while encouraging the flexibility and stability necessary for sustainable economic growth.
“The proposals show our commitment to a shared approach in fisheries management. And importantly, they will hopefully encourage new blood into the industry.
“Every time I visit a fishing community in Scotland I am asked to take steps to protect fishing rights for future generations. Today’s proposals aim to do just that.
“The measures I am outlining today will safeguard one of our national assets – our fish quota. They will also mean that any prospect of Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) being introduced is dead in the water. ITQs are effectively the privatisation of fishing rights which we do not support. I have no doubt we have the support of Scotland’s fishing communities in taking this action.
“Our proposals provide arrangements tailored to Scottish circumstances. These proposals have been carefully designed to safeguard Scotland’s fishing rights while allowing close working with the rest of the UK to continue.
“I look forward to hearing the views of the fishing industry over the coming months.”
Jimmy Buchan, star of BBC’s trawlermen series and owner of the Amity, said:
“The future of Scotland’s fishing communities and the industry that sustains them depends crucially on the fleet having access to sufficient quota. We can no longer afford the loss of quota or the costs imposed by quota speculators.
“With fuel costs at a level that is beginning to threaten the viability of some vessels, action has to be taken to reduce the other costs that vessels have to bear and quota is the most important of these. We welcome this important step by the Scottish Government as it will help reduce the loss of quota to active fishermen and hence the communities in which they live.”
John Buchan, owner of the Fairline, said:
“I delighted with the Scottish Government’s proposals for future quota and licensing arrangements in Scotland, and the steps being taken to protect the industry from the vulnerable position it is in at the moment. Safeguarding our fishing rights is vitally important to the future prosperity of our fishing communities.”
The consultation period will run until August 21, 2008.
These proposals concern everyone who has a stake in Scotland’s fishing industry. The consultation seeks views from all those involved in fishing in Scotland. The main points for consideration are:
Stewardship rights which create greater certainty for quota-holders while safeguarding the position for future generations.
Holding licences for producer organisations
The importance of clear links between quota-holders and the active fishing industry in Scotland
A quota incentive scheme that optimises quota uptake and reduces costs for the active industry
Giving quota-holders greater flexibility by allowing Fixed Quota Allocation transfers from an “active” licence
Modernising the current arrangements for quota administration and exchange through an internet-based management system
Continuing to allow Scottish Producer Organisations and quota-holders to exchange in-year quota and Fixed Quota Allocations with Producer Organisations or vessel owners elsewhere in the UK
Improving sectoral management in Scotland
A package of measures to safeguard the viability of inshore vessels fishing quota species
Identifying Scottish vessels
Requiring non-Scottish quota-holders to show a beneficial economic link to Scotland’s fishing industry
A new Scottish licensing system
Encouraging new blood into the fishing industry
The Scottish Government will be holding meetings with stakeholders around the coast of Scotland in the coming weeks.
