Thursday 28 March 2024
 5.9°C   ESE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Big prize on offer, fishermen tell government

The Lerwick registered whitefish trawler Alison Kay alongside Blacksness Pier in Scalloway. Photo: Shetland News

A MASSIVE prize is at stake in a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to draw up a new deal for Shetland’s fishermen during negotiations over the UK’s impending exit from the EU, according to the local industry’s figurehead.

Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) chief executive Simon Collins was among an industry delegation who met the UK government’s Scotland Office minister Andrew Dunlop on Monday.

Collins said the talks had again been “very good” and positive on all sides, including both the UK and Scottish governments, as efforts continue to ensure the fishing industry is at the heart of the decision-making process.

“We are very conscious that sometimes governments don’t appreciate the value of what’s out there, and certainly not in our seas,” he told BBC Radio Shetland.

He said there was “huge value” in an industry that is already worth in excess of £500 million a year to Scotland.

“The Norwegians, they have an industry worth probably ten times that, and our sea is not necessarily less productive,” Collins said. “So there’s a huge prize out there, and we’re just trying to point it out… to governments so they don’t overlook it and don’t give it away.”

He said fishing was a standout industry that had real reasons to want away from Brussels, and while “nobody expected this result”, there is now a determination to make the most of the opportunity presented.

“I think there’s a collective understanding that, of all the sectors in the economy, fisheries really had a good reason to vote leave. There’s a great deal of value, undeveloped real estate out there, up to 200 miles, [of] huge value not just for Shetland but for Scotland as a whole.”

Collins, who has been in the job for three and a half years, said he couldn’t overstate how frustrating negotiating with the EU was.

“It’s just a massive machine out there that we can’t change. If we had control of the rules, if something went wrong we could just change it. We’re certainly not asking for no management – just much better management.”

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.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.