NEW AIRCRAFT SET TO IMPROVE FISHERIES SURVEILLANCE – Fishupdate.com

NEW AIRCRAFT SET TO IMPROVE FISHERIES SURVEILLANCE Published:  03 February, 2009

Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead will tomorrow (February 3) board the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency’s new surveillance plane.

Mr Lochhead will fly from RAF Kinloss to Edinburgh to get an expert insight into the monitoring and surveillance of Scotland’s fisheries.

He will then perform the official commissioning ceremony at Edinburgh Airport and formally welcome the new aircraft into service.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony Mr Lochhead said: ‘This impressive aircraft will perform a vital role in enhancing the monitoring and surveillance capabilities of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.

‘Aerial surveillance forms a central component of SFPA’s task of monitoring the fishing industry’s compliance with UK, EU and International fisheries laws.

‘This is the second F406 aircraft to enter service in recent times and I am delighted that much of the surveillance equipment has been developed by Caledonian Airborne Systems in Aberdeen.

‘We are committed to effective fisheries management and with a new Marine Bill and additional responsibilities in the pipeline the arrival of this plane could not come at a better time.’

Alastair Beveridge, head of operations at the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, said: ‘SFPA are delighted to welcome into service this new generation of Reims F406 surveillance aircraft. The updated avionics, surveillance and communications equipment fitted to these aircraft combined with the increased endurance will significantly enhance our current aerial surveillance capability.

‘This will allow SFPA to respond to future changes in fishing patterns as well as enhancing our ability to monitor fishing and other activities in the increasing number of maritime closed areas intended to protect fragile seabed habitats.’