A new body bringing together representatives of the fishing industry, conservation groups and the scientific community met for the first time today.
Created to ensure a sustainable future for fishing in Scotland, the Scottish Fisheries Council will provide a direct line of communication between the Scottish Government and all sectors associated with commercial sea fishing.
One of its key roles will be to help promote the new Conservation Credits scheme agreed as part of the deal reached at the December Fisheries Council in Brussels.
Chairing the inaugural meeting in Edinburgh, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said:
“This is a time of hope and optimism for our fishing communities. The Scottish Government strongly believes that our fisheries and marine environment are best managed in Scotland by all those with an interest.
“New opportunities and challenges face the fishing industry in Scotland. Through the Scottish Fisheries Council I believe we can continue to work together to meet these with passion and innovation.
“I want the Scottish Fisheries Council to make a real difference to fishermen and fishing communities across Scotland. Its establishment demonstrates the ambitious we have for the future of our seas and the future of fishing in Scotland. I promised fresh idea for fishing and that is what we are delivering.”
The Scottish Fisheries Council will be responsible for developing proposals for Scotland’s first Marine Prize that will recognise innovations that contribute to a sustainable future for Scottish fisheries.
Mr Lochhead continued:
“The Marine Prize will reward innovation in areas such as conserving fish stocks, protecting the marine environment or enhancing a fishing community.
“2008 will be a Celebration of Scotland’s Seas. Scotland has a unique coastal and marine environment which provides an important natural resource upon which so many communities depend.”
The Scottish Government gave a commitment to establish a Scottish Fisheries Council.
Its purpose is to provide a means by which the Scottish Government can discuss and develop and implement policies in partnership with stakeholders. It replaces and builds on the SEAFAR process initiated by the previous administration.
Membership of the Scottish Fisheries Council covers all sectors related to the fishing industry, including fishermen, processors, retailers, community representatives, fisheries scientists and policy makers, environmental groups, enforcement and industry bodies.
The full member ship is:
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affair and the Environment Ian Gatt, President, Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF)
James Brown , SFF
Derek Duthie, SFF
Kenny McNab, SFF
Lesley Tait, SFF
Roddy McColl, Fishermen’s Association Ltd (FAL)
Josie Simpson, Shetland Council
Duncan McInnes, Western Isles Fishermen’s Association
Helen McLachlan, WWF
Mark Ruskell, RSPB
Andrew Mallison, Marks and Spencers retailers
Allan Burns, Scotland Food and Drink
Prof Mike Kaiser, Bangor University
Linda Cross, Scottish Seafood
Michael Parker, Youngs Processors
Sir Ian Wood
David Grant, Committee of Scottish Clearing Banks
John Rutherford, Seafish
Libby Woodhatch, Seafood Scotland
Robin Cook Director, Fisheries Research Services
Paul du Vivier Chief Executive, Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency Ian Jardine, Chief Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage
