Lochhead issues plea on behalf of fishermen
minister hits out at ‘crazy EU rules’ and plight of nation’s fishing fleet
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Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead made a heartfelt plea on behalf of Scotland’s fishermen yesterday as the “tortuous” negotiations over 2010 catch rules draw ever closer.
Scotland needs its fishermen and the valuable contribution they make to the economy, he insisted.
The comments came on the eve of Mr Lochhead’s address at a two-day fisheries management conference in Edinburgh.
Six of Europe's seven regional advisory councils will be represented at the gathering being held today and tomorrow at the capital’s Merchants’ Hall.
Industry leaders are being joined by politicians, scientists, economists and European Commission officials for talks on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Mr Lochhead said: “Scots fishermen will be waiting anxiously to find out how much fish they will be allowed to land in 2010.
“This year has been a tough one for many fishermen, with the recession and low fish prices combined with existing restrictions imposed on our fleets through the despised CFP.”
He added: “We need our fishermen. Scotland has one-fifth of the EU's seas and is responsible for some of Europe's richest fishing.
“We produce high-quality seafood that graces shop shelves, our kitchen tables and the world's top restaurants.”
“Fish is one of Scotland's most abundant foodstuffs yet it's often taken for granted. We are sometimes guilty of forgetting the crews risking their lives to haul it in from the sea, about the huge on-shore industry and the communities for whom fishing is a way of life.
“We need to encourage more Scots to enjoy the seafood landed on our own doorstep.”
Highlighting the industry’s financial value, he said: “Scottish landings are worth almost £400million to our economy, but it is about more than just figures. It is about the heart and soul of our nation.”
Mr Lochhead again spelled out his frustration over discards.
He said: “Crazy EU rules mean that our fishermen have little choice but to throw away much of the fish they catch.
“We could catch less fish and land more of what is caught, helping to ensure the long-term future of our valuable fish stocks and dramatically cut the amount of fish discarded.”
It is estimated that about one-third of all cod caught in the North Sea and off the west coast is thrown away as a result of a system limiting landings.
According to the Scottish Government, North Sea white fish discards are worth around £60million a year.
Mr Lochhead said: “The facts and figures on discards defy belief.
“We need to stop simply regulating what is landed and instead concentrate on what is removed from the sea in the first place.”
Negotiations over fishing rules for 2010 will culminate at the December Fisheries Council in Brussels.
Readers' Comments
Fishermen know already what fish we will be allowed to catch a reduction in cod of 10% herring up 8% hadd northsea down 14%west coast down 54% rockall down 15% whiting down 61% west down 25% prawn nephrops northsea down 7% west down 15% and plenty worms to add to the other 800 rules in the fisheries book.Another reduction of 10 million pounds to the Scottish fishing industry I would think although I have not worked it out yet.Oh yes dont forget the 10 and 25% reduction in the days at sea scheme introduced last year that some fishermen might have forgotten about.Last of all Richard Lochhead will be claiming a great result for Scottish fishermen. Brussels talks last year have cost my vessel 17000 pounds so well done to all fisheries policy regulators great result.
michael watt
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What did making 17,000 less take your total income down to Michael? Serious question - not trying to score points, just seeking a ball-park figure as I'm sure I'm not alone in not knowing what fishermen make these days.
Andrew Buchan
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