2011 Election – Scott backs fishing manifesto

LibDem candidate Tavish Scott targeted the fishing vote on Wednesday, backing the Scottish Fishermen Federation’s manifesto calling for a better deal for the industry.

He said fish catching, fish farming and fish processing businesses provided “vital jobs across the islands” and that his party “want to assist growth in all sectors, including the inshore fishing industry”.

As well as joining the universal condemnation of the Common Fisheries Policy and call for more regional management, he promised a review of the new government agency Marine Scotland to establish “whether there is a conflict in the functions of scientific adviser to government, fisheries enforcement and management of fisheries regulation”.

To tackle discards he dismissed the SNP’s conservation credit scheme, saying “we need to consult meaningfully with the industry to develop a workable scheme”.

He would also reconvene the Fisheries Fuel Taskforce to help the industry handle soaring fuel costs.

Mr Scott promised to review the functions of the Crown Estate to whom the aquaculture industry pay a seabed rent and to allow local council’s to provide a one stop shop for fish farmers at minimum cost.

“At the heart of our policies is the aim to create a sustainable industry producing and selling high quality seafood backed by quality and sustainability accreditation,” he said.