Scottish fishing industry explained that the impact of the proposed cuts in prawn catch quotas would be disastrous and is has been taken to the European Union. MP Michael Moore has held talks with fisheries commissioner Joe Borg where he said that a reduction in quotas could have a serious effect on the industry in his Berwickshire constituency. Moore also told that he had pressed that point to Mr Borg and said he believed there was still “scope for change” in the proposals.
The European Union has proposed significant reductions in prawn quotas next year. Commenting on that Moore said that they could have a serious impact on the industry in Scotland. He added that the prawn quotas for 2008 ought to be rolled over to 2009 as the technical factors affecting this year’s fishing are the most significant considerations.
According to Moore there is still some way to go for the commission to accept that, but it is clear that they are aware of the real difficulties in prospect in Berwickshire if the proposals do not change. Scientific negotiations are needed between Defra and the Scottish Government to prevent a potentially disastrous implementation of these very severe, precautionary measures.
