A five point action plan to help the Scottish fishing industry counter the effects of rising fuel costs was announced today.
Following a meeting with the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation in Aberdeen, Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead announced that 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
Mr Lochhead said:
“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 today agreed immediate action to both address short term issues and look for long term solutions.
“The fishing industry is of vital importance to people and communities throughout Scotland. We need to make sure that we do not allow the renewed confidence that has developed in the industry over the last year to be undermined.
“We must work with both the UK and European Governments to help our fishermen in these difficult times. 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 Task Force will report by the end of August on steps to be taken in response to the fuel price increases and by the end of February on longer term issues.
The membership and remit of the Task Force will be agreed at the Scottish Fisheries Council meeting on May 13.
The fuel efficiency scheme will available from early September.
