Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead today spoke following a meeting of the Scottish Fisheries Council in Edinburgh.
He said:
“This was a timely opportunity to continue our dialogue with the industry on how best to secure a sustainable and profitable long-term future for our valuable fishing sector. Through the development of our national management plan we are working hard to provide some breathing space for fleets recovering from the impact of the recession and tough European restrictions.
“I am aware that low market prices and rising fuel prices are chipping away at the incomes of some fishermen. Despite the short term problems we must confront, we share a clear commitment to putting in place a framework that will protect jobs, fish stocks and the communities who depend on a thriving industry.
“Few could have predicted that Scotland would be leading by example through its outstanding international reputation for fisheries conservation and landing the best seafood in the world in such a short space of time. The challenge now is to market what we have more effectively with the support of our major retailers.
“We are working with retailers to increase understanding about the sustainability initiatives underway in Scotland and identify new opportunities for joint working with the industry. We need to build on the many good examples where fishermen are closely linked through the supply chain to the processor who is linked to the retailer who is linked to the consumer. Increasing demand for fish and securing better prices at the quayside is essential.
“We are also entering a crucial phase in terms of making our case for radical changes to European fisheries policy. Scotland can play a leading role in providing innovative solutions and securing a level playing field. As in the past we will need to work together to meet this challenge. I am confident that we have the vision, the resilience and the reputation to be major players in shaping the future of fisheries in Europe.”
