Scottish Fishermen’s Federation response to Marine Bill backing

Commenting today (4 February) on the backing of the Marine Bill by the Scottish Parliament, Bertie Armstrong, Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive, said:

"Whilst we welcome the broad overall aims of the Bill, it is absolutely essential that fishing has a  proper place in the marine planning process with the primary objectives of  ensuring a profitable, sustainable industry that makes the best of a  valuable and renewable resource off our coasts.

“There must be full consultation with the fishing industry with regards to the introduction of marine conservation zones so as to safeguard traditional fishing grounds that many coastal communities depend upon.

"Sustainable fishing is by no means incompatible with the needs of the marine environment - the Scottish industry works every day to demonstrate that."

Ends

For more information:

Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive:

Tel: 0780 1626822.