EU fisheries reform 'real chance for Scots fleet'

Published on Monday 11 July 2011 18:51

THE European Union's publication tomorrow of the proposed reform of the controversial Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) must be seized as a "golden opportunity" to secure a long-term future for Scotland's fishing fleets and fragile coastal communities.

This is the warning from Scotish fisheries minister Richard Lochhead. The long-awaited reform proposals are due to be unveiled in Brussels by Maria Domenici, European fisheries commissioner.

Mr Lochhead said: "The Common Fisheries Policy is a busted flush that has cost Scotland dear, both in terms of jobs and fisheries conservation.

"A whole way of life and part of our valuable heritage has been damaged by decades of reckless remote control by Brussels."

He added: "A radical overhaul of EU fishing policy is needed to guarantee a sustainable industry, healthy marine environment and vibrant fishing communities in the future."

Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF), said the reforms would set the course for the management of fisheries for the foreseeable future, with the Scottish fleet now struggling to deal with ill-fitting regulations and bureaucratic red tape, ever-increasing restrictions on catching opportunity and spiralling fuel prices.

He said: "Over the past few years the SFF has been lobbying hard to ensure the reform of the CFP contains real and practical measures that ensures our fisheries are much more effectively and efficiently managed.

"There is still the real fear that the reform will end up as a wasted opportunity, and that would be a tragedy."

Mr Armstrong said the SFF wanted much greater local control, so fishermen, scientists, governments and other stakeholders could develop management regimes on a regional scale.