According to the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, there are gains to be made for the Scottish industry.
Commenting on the Scottish Government report released last week, SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said that the report underlines the importance of the UK regaining sovereignty over its own waters and becoming an independent Coastal State with the powers to control access and fishing opportunity.
‘For Scotland that could be worth an additional £540m in income and create 5000 more jobs in the sector. Any other course of action would be harmful to the fishing industry and, given its importance to coastal communities (again as highlighted in the report), that would be totally unacceptable,’ he said.
‘There are challenges ahead in securing these aims, of that there is no doubt. But in light of the potential bonanza, we would urge politicians of all parties to press both the UK and Scottish governments to work together to support the aims and objectives of the fishing industry.’
