The remit of the Fuel Task Force, established to help the Scottish fishing industry deal with rising fuel costs, was announced today.
By August the Task Force will advise on:
Action by all parts of the industry, associated sectors and all levels of government to reduce the cost of fuel
A fuel efficiency scheme, in particular incentives to be offered under the European Fisheries Fund for steps designed to reduce fuel consumption
Further reductions in non-fuel costs
By February 2009 the Task Force will advise on longer-term issues such as fishing practices and the transportation of produce to markets.
This follows the immediate help already announced which will provide fishermen with £700,000 towards non-fuel costs.
Work is underway to identify members of the Task Force and this will be announced shortly.
Speaking after a meeting of the Scottish Fisheries Council in Edinburgh, Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead said:
“Yesterday I outlined a five point action plan to help the Scottish fishing industry counter the effects of rising fuel costs, including a Fuel Task Force. I have moved quickly to establish the remit of the Task Force.
“I expect to see representatives in the Task Force from various aspects of the fishing industry as well as the haulage and sales sectors. I want the Task Force to be radical in its thinking so we can all ensure a sustainable and profitable future for the Scottish fisheries sector.
“The fishing industry and I share concerns about the serious situation facing fishermen in these times of ever increasing fuel prices. That is why I have agreed immediate action to both address short term issues and look for long term solutions.”
