First inshore fisheries conference to be held in Inverness

MARINE Scotland is to host the country’s first Inshore Fisheries conference in Inverness on 8 February.

The conference will bring together the entire industry for the first time and provide a forum to share views and ideas for the future of the sector, worth almost £80 million a year to the Scottish economy.

Richard Lochhead, the Scottish Fisheries Secretary, said: “Inshore fishing is vitally important to the Scottish economy, contributing around £77 million in landings and supporting many remote communities, indeed it is by far our largest fishing fleet. Smaller classes of vessels operating sustainably around our beautiful coastline, providing the highest possible seafood product for eager customers both at home and abroad.”

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Graham Young, the head of Seafood Scotland, also welcomed the conference.

He said: ”We are looking forward to the event, particularly the session on market development and opportunities for growth. We aim to see how we can link the aims and objectives into our existing projects on local, national and international supply.“

A spokesman for Marine Scotland said: “Inshore fishermen operate around the entire Scottish coast and support fragile local communities, fishing methods are fuel efficient and discards are the lowest in the industry. The conference recognises the complex nature of the sector and looks to examine issues and challenges, exploring options to improve the sector, whilst also highlighting and celebrating the important positive aspects it holds for Scotland’s fishing industry.”

He added: “Marine Scotland aims to remain at the forefront of inshore fisheries management. We will seek delegates’ views on the key elements of a well managed fishery and the key actions and measures needed to ensure inshore fisheries in Scotland remain sustainable and profitable.”