The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has welcomed the decision by the Scottish Government to reject an application by the Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust for a Regulating Order for the Firth of Clyde.
The SFF, along with the Clyde Fishermen’s Association (CFA) had maintained that such a management regime was totally unnecessary, given that the Clyde fishery is already heavily regulated.
‘We welcome this pragmatic decision made by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing,’ said SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong, commenting on the decision.
‘The imposition of a Regulating Order and the consequent restrictions on legitimate and sustainable fishing would have devastated Clyde fishing communities. The Clyde fishery is already very carefully managed and local fishermen are working hard to ensure a sustainable future by being involved in a number of conservation initiatives,’ he said.
‘We are pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has listened to the compelling case put forward by the fishing industry and has moved to protect our fishing communities and ensure a sustainable future for the Clyde fishery.’
‘Fishermen on the Clyde look forward to working in the heart of planning for the Clyde Fisheries in the future,’ said Elaine Whyte of the Clyde Fishermen’s Association.
