Scottish industry’s leading role in sustainable fishing must be blueprint for the future

Responding to the outcome of today’s meeting (28 September) in Brussels between European Commissioner Joe Borg and Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead, Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said:

 "The SFF welcomes this exchange of views at the beginning of the negotiations for catching opportunity for 2010 which will affect the Scottish fleet. 

“Despite facing some very difficult circumstances, all sectors of the Scottish fleet have been playing their part in meeting the aim of sustainable fishing.  As we approach the decision-making, it is absolutely vital that Scottish initiatives and sacrifices are taken into account in practical terms. There will be stark choices to be made in the speed and severity of the new management measures. It is therefore crucial that the leadership shown by the Scottish fishing industry in the accreditation of fisheries, combined with the reduction of discarding by the development of selective gear and the use of fish avoidance measures, be recognised as the way forward for the effective management of our fisheries.”

Ends

For more information:

Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive: tel: 01224 646944.

Mobile: 0780 1626822.

Keith Broomfield: tel: 07890781151