FISHING INDUSTRY DESPERATELY NEEDS STABILITY – Fishupdate.com

FISHING INDUSTRY DESPERATELY NEEDS STABILITY Published:  09 September, 2008

Commenting as the Scottish Fisheries Council meets in Edinburgh, Liberal Democrat Fisheries spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

“The Fisheries Secretary must take action to provide stability for an industry that has been badly hit by soaring fuel prices and buffeted each year by a bewildering array of new initiatives dreamt up by the European Commission.

“Fishermen are tying their boats up because they cannot afford the fuel and there is grave concern across the industry about the SNP’s unilateral ban on fish quota transfers between Scotland and England.

“The Fisheries Secretary should use this meeting to signal his intentions in terms of the Fuel Task Force’s recommendations and explain what he plans to do with regard to the unpopular and possibly illegal fish quota transfer ban.

“Today’s meeting also sets the scene for the crucial EU-Norway and European Fisheries Council negotiations at the end of the year. Scotland’s fishing industry desperately needs a period of stability, not least so that existing stock conservation measures, which are already demonstrating their effectiveness, can be given time to work. Fishermen will be looking to the Fisheries Secretary to help secure that stability.”

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