Federation will lay it on the line to Commissioner – Fishupdate.com

Federation will lay it on the line to Commissioner Published:  17 October, 2006

GIVE credit where credit is due, a top official will be told this week.

For the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation will this week urge EU fisheries chief Joe Borg to recognise the “huge steps” the industry has taken to secure its future.

Borg, the European Commission’s Director General of Fisheries & Maritime Affairs is in Aberdeen and Shetland on Thursday.

And tonight the federation said he must recognise the efforts the Scottish industry has taken towards sustainability and ensure that there is a level playing field in the forthcoming catch opportunity talks for 2007.

Bertie Armstrong, the federation’s Chief Executive will be on a panel putting questions to Borg on Thursday morning at an energy breakfast in Aberdeen hosted by UKOOA, the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association.

“I will be telling him that the Scottish industry is sustainably harvesting its target species and that the importance of our industry must not be overshadowed by other users of the North Sea, including the oil and gas industry,” said Mr Armstrong.

He will then accompany Borg, along with a delegation from the Scottish Executive, to a meeting in Aberdeen of the North Sea Regional Advisory Council before travelling to Lerwick for talks with the Shetland Fishermen’s Association.

“We will highlight to the Commissioner that Scotland has put together a plan for the future of its fishing industry. We have put our own house in order and our industry deserves proper recognition of its efforts. This includes ensuring that there is a level playing field in the forthcoming catch opportunity talks.”