The SFF and the other main UK federation, the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, held a joint meeting with the minister in London. Together the Federations outlined to him the fishing industry priorities for the crucial negotiations, which begin now and culminate in the December Council of Ministers in Brussels, to set quotas and other fisheries management measures for 2009.
Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive, said: “Whilst we are on record with a concern about the timing of his appointment, given that crucial European negotiations on fishing opportunity for next year have now begun, we were nonetheless encouraged by the new Minister’s commitment to learn quickly and use the experience and knowledge of the industry and all the fisheries administrations. There may also be some advantage in a fresh look at the key issues.
“It is no surprise that the SFF and NFFO priorities overlap very closely. We in the Scottish industry are in literally daily contact with the Scottish government fisheries managers and scientists. We look to Richard Lochhead and his fisheries department to forge a UK position with DEFRA that will secure the best possible outcome for us all.
Mr Irranca-Davies is scheduled to meet with Scottish Fisheries Minister, Richard Lochhead, this Wednesday (22 October).
