By Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation

Another year, another set of challenges for the fishing industry. But this year has the potential to bring real change because of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The reform process is supposed to be completed by the summer, but there is every chance it will drag on beyond then.

By Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of Scottish Fishermen’s Federation

Did you know that a significant – and increasing – number of Scottish fisheries are now certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as being responsibly managed and sustainable?

The flagship ecolabel certification enables consumers to make informed choices when purchasing seafood and the increasing number of Scottish fisheries participating in the programme underlines the commitment of Scottish fishermen in ensuring a sustainable future.

6 March 2013

With Scottish fishermen reporting huge quantities of cod and other fish on the fishing grounds, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) says it is time for recognition to be given to the severe sacrifices made by the Scottish fleet in reducing discards and conserving fish stocks.

The Federation has been contacted by a number of its fishermen members in recent weeks about the large numbers of cod and other fish being caught, and according to SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong, this stock recovery must result in rewards for fishermen in the future.

27 February 2013

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has given a cautious welcome to new measures to prevent discards that were agreed by EU fishing ministers in Brussels early this morning.

EU ministers agreed a plan that will start in 2014 and phase out discards by 2019. The SFF says fishing ministers at the talks recognised many of the problems facing fishermen in implementing a discards ban in complex mixed fisheries and have taken the first steps in ensuring that the scheme is introduced in a practical and sensible manner.