News / Shetland fishermen facing bad deal
SHETLAND’S fishing fleet looks set for a bad deal at this year’s EU fisheries council quota setting talks after last week’s deal with Norway agreed significant cuts in key white fish species.
Shetland MSP has called on Scottish fishing secretary Richard Lochhead to attend the talks in Brussels and argue for a better deal, especially on monkfish.
Mr Lochhead has already welcomed the outcome of the EU/Norway talks, saying they are good for Scotland.
Pointing to an assessment published by NAFC Fisheries College, Mr Scott said the cuts in cod, haddock and saithe that make up 40 per cent of the Shetland fleet’s landings would have “a significant effect”.
The NAFC report also backs concerns raised by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation about ‘catch quota’ conservation measures being imposed on a mixed fishery.
Mr Scott said: “Some key quotas remain to be agreed at the Fisheries council meeting, the most important one for Shetland being that for monkfish, which makes up a third of the value of the Shetland fleet’s catch, where the European Commission is proposing a 15 per vent cut in the quota.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
