A delegation of Scottish fishing industry leaders has launched the start of their campaign to ensure that fishing forms a fundamental part of the forthcoming Brexit negotiations, describing it as ‘sea of opportunity’ for delivering a sustainable future.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) set out its aspirations for fishing following discussions last week with Fergus Ewing, the Scottish Rural Economy Secretary, and then with Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell, and UK Fisheries Minister George Eustice.
The SFF also met the Minister of State for Brexit, David Jones, and gave evidence at the House of Lords EU Committee as part of its short inquiry on Brexit.
‘The strong unified message is that for fishing, the overwhelmingly positive balance of benefits of Brexit is plain to see,’ said SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong.
‘A successful outcome from the negotiations will mean that our coastal and island communities can look forward to a secure future in terms of jobs, economic activity and the sustainable production of a wonderful, sustainable natural resource. In short, the country has the potential to become a world leader in seafood production and exports. We regard it as a ‘sea of opportunity’ that must be grasped.’
