Fishing wrangle

FISHING leaders are warning that a power struggle inside the European Union is threatening the future viability of the Scottish fleet.

The Scottish Fishing Federation says the battle over who controls fisheries management decisions is creating a logjam that could undermine this month’s crucial quota talks.

Chief executive Bertie Armstrong said the Council of European Fisheries Ministers, the European Commission and the European Parliament are all vying for control.

Unless the issue is resolved, automatic cuts to days at sea will be imposed, despite widespread recognition that fish stocks, including cod, are recovering.

“The problem that the industry faces is that sensible and sustainable fisheries management has fallen victim to this three-way power struggle,” Armstrong said.

“There will be a chance to sort this out at the Council of Fisheries Ministers scheduled for 18 – 20 December in Brussels, but only if all parties agree to focus on taking pragmatic decisions on practical matters of sustainable fishing, rather comparing the metaphorical length of their respective legal entitlements.”