Support for fishermen
THE SCOTTISH fishing industry said a substantial majority people agree that access to UK waters should be blocked or limited to EU fishing vessels after Brexit.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Association has just released the details of a YouGov poll, which was carried out on its behalf earlier this month.
According to the poll, 32 per cent say vessels must be allowed in only under strict rules while 27 per cent think they must be kept out.
Meanwhile 56 per cent of people agree that exiting the Common Fisheries Policy will provide greater opportunities for UK fishermen, to just ten per cent who disagree.
SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said the findings confirm the industry’s stance in lobbying both the UK and Scottish governments to ensure control of UK waters is restored to the UK.
“It’s clear from this poll that people can see Brexit presents the industry with a sea of opportunity,” Armstrong said.
“They also recognise that the current practice whereby we are forced to let in boats from other European countries, which are then free to go home with around 58 per cent of the total catch in our waters, needs to end. We must have first call on quota.
“We accept that there is a case for a very short bridging period in 2019 to align ourselves with annual international discussions, but we need to make the most of this opportunity as soon as possible.”
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