Prince Charles in Edinburgh for fisheries conference

PRINCE Charles will today speak at a major conference on the future of sustainable fishing in Edinburgh that will also be attended by global fisheries leaders.

He will speak at the event in his role as the founder of The Prince’s international sustainability unit. The event is expected to attract 1,000 delegates from more than 65 countries, with 22 keynote speakers from industry, science, fishing and aquaculture.

Scotland’s Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead and UK fisheries minister Richard Benyon will be among the key speakers at the event.

Mr Lochhead said: “I am delighted to welcome the World Fisheries Congress to Edinburgh this week. As one of the foremost fishing nations, Scotland is at the centre of international efforts to sustain the world’s fisheries.

“Bringing together leading scientists and experts will provide stimulating and thought provoking discussions, and I look forward to building on our work and exchanging ideas with international partners.”

“The Scottish Government is committed to doing all we can to preserve the marine environment and to ensure a sustainable, long-term future for the fishing industry in Scotland.”

The event is organised by the World Councils of Fisheries Society, whose president Professor Felicity Huntingford, said: “The 6th World Fisheries Congress is a truly global event that brings together scientists from all discipline areas that cross the freshwater and marine boundaries.”