An expert group has been established to develop fuel efficiency measures for the Scottish fishing fleet
The Fuel Efficiency Expert Group will be chaired by Paul Williams, Director of Seafish, and will report its initial findings to the Fuel Task Force within three weeks.
Welcoming the fresh impetus to developing fuel efficiency measures, Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
“I have already committed to providing funds to support fuel efficiency measures in the Scottish fleet. It is vital that such measures are based on expert advice and are introduced without delay.
“I welcome this move by the Fuel Task Force to call together a group of industry experts group to look urgently at the best measures to take forward.
“The fishing industry supports thousands of people and communities throughout Scotland. In the face of the huge challenge of rising fuel prices we need to do all we can to sustain the renewed confidence that has developed in the industry over the last year.
“We are in regular contact with the industry and very much appreciate the economic impact rising fuel prices are having on our fishing industry.
“In contrast to our limited budgets in Scotland, the UK Government is gaining billions of pounds in extra revenue from rising fuel prices and the Scottish Government is seeking a fair share of that to allow help to be provided for key sectors.
“As well as the action we are taking forward, I have forthcoming meetings with the UK Government and will be attending the EU Fisheries Council to press for support for the industry. I will continue to actively explore potential short, medium and longer term support for one of Scotland’s most important sectors.”
The Fuel Efficiency Expert Group will be chair by Paul Williams, Director of Seafish. Other members are:
Tom Rossiter, Seafish.
Ken Arkley, Seafish.
Barry O’Neill, Fisheries Research Service.
Ross Skinner, skipper.
Mike Park, skipper.
John Jenkins, Don Company’s Superintendent Engineer.
Ian Paton, SC McAllister.
The Fuel Task Force is chaired by James Brown of Caley Fisheries, who is also Vice President of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.
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.
A five point action plan to help the Scottish fishing industry counter the effects of rising fuel costs was announced by Mr Lochhead on May 12, 2008 stating the Scottish Government would:
establish a Task Force to quickly bring forward steps to help the industry
immediate help to offset fuel costs, including £400,000 for the annual maintenance costs of life rafts on every vessel in Scotland and £300,000 for the cost of the warranties vessels must pay on their satellite monitoring equipment
seek a meeting with the UK Government to discuss wider issues of the impact of fuel prices
continue to press the European Union to ensure a level playing field on subsidies
work with the industry to develop a fuel efficiency scheme
