With the European Council of Ministers expected to approve tomorrow (15 July) measures to help EU fishing fleets survive soaring fuel costs, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation is warning that such support will only be effective if the UK Governments are prepared to offer financial help.
Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive, said: “It is likely that that the Council will approve a financial support package for European fishing fleets. But financial aid to member states will be conditional on co-funding from national governments.
“It is essential that we receive a commitment from our Governments for such funding, otherwise the Scottish fishing fleet will be left behind.
“We know that the package will include ‘fleet adaptation’ measures. This will include decommissioning, although we are pleased that the Commission does recognise that fleets that have already undergone substantial restructuring in recent years – such as the Scottish fleet – should have this factor taken into account.
“How this translates into actual help will be a matter for urgent discussion with the Scottish Government.”
