An interim report setting out how a Scottish quota and licensing system for the fishing industry could be implemented has been published.
The Scottish Government plan to phase in new management arrangements during 2009, with a complete system fully introduced and up and running early next year.
The new arrangements are designed to:
Simplify licensing so that the cost to businesses is reduced
Safeguard traditional fishing rights for today’s fishermen and for future generations
Ensure Scottish fishermen get their fair share of quota and that quotas are only held by businesses who fish them
Encourage new blood into the industry
Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
“Fishing rights such as quotas are an asset of national importance to Scotland and the lifeblood of many of our coastal communities. If we are to have a vibrant, prosperous fishing industry in the future we must put in place arrangements that help safeguard those fishing rights.
“This is an issue of utmost importance to me and I am committed to implementing a package of business-friendly management measures. The consultation has shown that there is also a strong level of support from the industry, although as expected with such a diverse range of interests there were differences of opinion.
“I have given careful consideration to the consultation responses. We have also held constructive discussions with other parts of the UK. This has been a lengthy process, not least because in some instances alternative measures were proposed, but I am sure that these proposals strike the right balance.”
Today’s interim report sets out the Scottish Government’s response to the recent consultation on quota management and licensing and also seeks views on some of the issues raised by stakeholders.
Following a short period of further consultation, which ends on March 16, measures to be adopted under a Scottish quota and licensing system will then be set out in a final report. In the meantime, work will begin shortly on the reform of producer organisations, measures to encourage new entrants into the fishing industry and a Scottish licensing system review.
