Fishermen in official Scottish fisheries delegation for first time – Fishupdate.com
Fishermen in official Scottish fisheries delegation for first time Published: 05 June, 2007
Bertie Armstrong
MEMBERS of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation are being included in the Scottish government delegation to EU fish talks next week, it emerged today.
The federation (SFF) today welcomed moves made by Scottish Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead to improve the link between Government and industry and to raise the profile of Scottish fishing interests.
The first formal meeting between Mr Lochhead and the SFF will take place on Thursday of this week in Edinburgh, which will be attended by Federation members representing fisheries from all round Scotland and the Northern Isles. The issue of how the industry can best support Scotlands fisheries interests in national and international decision making will be on the agenda, the federation said today.
The SFF went on: “However, of particular significance is the ministers decision to include the Federation as part of the Scottish Governments support team at next weeks EC Fisheries Council talks in Luxembourg (11 June).
“This is the first time that the SFF has been invited in this official capacity and signals a new era of co-operation between industry and Government. It will enable the industry to have a direct input to the Minister and his team at the talks and will greatly enhance stakeholder involvement. The Council talks will include the first early discussions on the ECs new discard proposals.”
Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive, said: This takes the first steps in fulfilling the manifesto pledge to create more direct links between the minister and stakeholders; it is something we take very seriously and wholeheartedly welcome.
Working with the minister and his team, we look forward to making a positive and constructive contribution at next weeks Fisheries Council and in the vital decision making processes from now on.
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