As per the information fishermen in Scotland are in financial difficulties due to poor prices, high fuel costs, quota reductions and restrictions on days at sea. The study commissioned by the Scottish Government shows the European Commission just how tough life was for the men who go to sea in this country. The study looked at the current and future impacts on fleets of fuel and fish prices, quota reductions and restrictions on days at sea.
According to the study this year fuel and fish prices are the key factors affecting the profits of the nephrops (prawn/langoustine) sector. Additional restrictions proposed for 2010 are likely to have a further impact but, even without these, the sector is likely to remain financially fragile. Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead informed that fishing is a tough way of life at the best of times but this year the combined effect of the economic climate and the tough restrictions imposed by Europe has made life particularly difficult for our fishermen.
It is told that this study will help inform our negotiating position and, as a first step, which will be discussed with Commission officials later this month. Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, expressed that this report itemises in a very stark manner the huge difficulties that the Scottish whitefish and prawn fleets are facing today, and into 2010 and beyond.
