Decentralisation of CFP is vital for a sustainable future, says SFF

Responding to the release today (21 December) of the Scottish Government’s response to the European Commission’s Green Paper on reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said:

“The objective of the CFP has always been based on the exploitation of living marine resources that will provide for sustainable economic, environmental and social conditions.

“It has failed to meet this aim, making reform essential.  We would strongly argue that the lifeblood of sustainable fishing has to be profitable industry. The one big block to achieving that objective has been the centralised micro-management.

“We have long been pressing for the decentralisation of the CFP as the way forward for effective fisheries management, with special arrangements put in place for stocks that migrate across international boundaries.  The best way to meet the aim of sustainable harvesting of our wonderful natural resource is to properly involve the professionals with first hand knowledge.  We have committed to that in Scotland and will continue to expand upon the successful start we have made in working together with government and scientists.

“For Scotland, it is essential that CFP reform includes the assurance that our fishermen will always have access to stocks based on our historical fishing rights.”

Ends

For more information:

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

Mobile: 0780 1626822.