Urgent action needed to support whitefish fleet - McArthur (Dumfries Liberal Democrats)

Dumfries Liberal Democrats <tom@therussells.org.uk>

Urgent action needed to support whitefish fleet - McArthur

December 18, 2009 10:09 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Fisheries spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP today highlighted to the First Minister the difficulties faced by Scotland's fishing fleet as result of the deal agreed with EU Ministers in Brussels earlier this week.

Mr McArthur drew attention to the situation on the west coast of Scotland, and urged the First Minister to make sure that alternative management proposals were brought forward by the government, in consultation with the industry, as a matter of urgency.

Commenting after the exchange, Mr McArthur said:

"As ever, the fisheries deal reached in Brussels this week was a mixed bag for our fleet.

"Only time, and resolution of the EU-Norway negotiations, will tell what the true impact is likely to be on our fishermen, but it is clear that 2010 is set to be another difficult year.

"What is painfully obvious is that for the whitefish fleet reliant on access to the west coast, the situation is dire.

"Faced with a roll over for a further 18 months of the emergency management measures introduced last year, these boats are in desperate need of support.

"The European Commission has indicated that it is willing to consider alternative management proposals for the west coast. It is absolutely essential that Scottish Ministers work closely with the industry in the coming weeks to develop and bring forward such proposals.

"While the First Minister recognised the plight of this section of our fleet, he and his Cabinet Secretary must now respond with action as a matter of urgency. Failure to do so, could spell disaster for many of our whitefish boats".

ENDS