SFF has vowed to work on its key priorities for fishing and to focus every effort in ensuring that a fair deal is achieved for the industry. A meeting of the SFF’s executive committee in Shetland last week focused on an action plan for the coming months against the background of an incredibly difficult set of circumstances for the industry.
The main issue that SFF is considering is the current effort control (days-at-sea) regime that is affecting the whitefish and prawn sectors, with many boats finding it almost impossible to make a living under the extremely tight management restrictions.
Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the SFF, said that this sector of the industry has made almost superhuman sacrifices in adopting a range of conservation measures so as to help protect stocks and gain extra fishing days, but the overwhelming message from the quayside is that availability of days has now been cut down to the bone and the fleet cannot sustain this pressure for any longer.
At the meeting everyone is agreed on the management objective, but this must – and can – be achieved in a way that does not crucify the industry. Accordion to Armstrong mackerel is a vitally important fishery for Scotland and we condemn any attempt by the Faroes or Iceland to unjustifiably increase their quotas, which could threaten the health of the stock.
Other priority areas for the Federation include the impact of new management measures on the Scottish west coast that involves a long-term management plan for haddock, as well as the ongoing reform process of the Common Fisheries Policy.
