Concerns Voiced Over Industry Plight – Fishupdate.com

Concerns Voiced Over Industry Plight Fishing Monthly Published:  26 October, 2002

THE Convention of Scottish Local Authorities Rural Affairs Executive Group has expressed growing concern over the plight of rural fishing communities across Scotland.

Following a meeting of the COSLA group in Edinburgh, Councillor Andrew Campbell, Rural Affairs Spokesperson said: “The Rural Affairs Executive Group is very concerned after hearing representations from rural local authorities with fishing interests. The outcome of the most recent meeting of Fisheries Ministers in Luxembourg and the response from Scottish and UK Ministers does not give any cause for confidence in the future for remote fishing communities who are so dependent on the industry.

“While COSLA does not want to enter into the science surrounding the debate, it is crucial that Rural Development Minister, Ross Finnie and his department, fully comprehend the impact that the review of the Common Fisheries Policy is going to have on rural communities.”