Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.9°C   NE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Marine / Ewing opens national fishing talk-shop in Orkney

Quotas, discards and fleet expansion are themes

A DISCUSSION paper on the future of fishing in Scotland is being launched today by fisheries secretary Fergus Ewing in Orkney.

Ewing is meeting representatives from the fishing industry in Kirkwall on Monday in the first of a series of similar meetings across Scotland, allowing fishing interests to have their say in what a new strategy for fisheries management should look like.

The rural economy secretary is in Orkney as part of the Convention of Highlands and Islands, a regular forum for local authority leaders to meet government ministers to discuss pressing topics such as the impact of Brexit and transport. The convention will be chaired by deputy first minister John Swinney.

Among the “key priorities” outlined in the fisheries discussion paper are making sure Scottish waters and fishing opportunities are not “traded away by the UK government”, and urging the introduction of a new work permit system to secure sustainable labour supply for fishing industry.

The paper also prioritises continuing the use of Total Allowable Catch (TACs) as the primary stock management tool and tweaking the discard ban to make it more workable.

It says that Scottish fishing quota should be in the hands of active Scottish fishermen and additional licenses and quota should be created to support new entrants.

Launching the paper, Ewing said: “Scotland has a rich fishing culture and heritage and it is vital that we build on that sustainably for the future.

“Brexit will inevitably bring changes in the way in which we manage our fisheries and also the relationships which we will have with our friends and colleagues from other seafaring nations.

“Whatever the future holds, Scotland’s role as a world-leading fisheries nation, and as a responsible and sustainable manager of this important natural resource, will continue.  This discussion paper will help us develop our approach to local management and partnership working that we already have in place.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Ewing said it was vital that fishing interests come together to shape the future approach, and that everyone involved in fishing has their say in that process.

“Only by doing so can we best manage our natural resources sustainably, and ensure the brightest possible future for fishing in this country,” he added.

The discussion paper is intended to act as a catalyst for the industry to move forward together, and “develop ideas which can help deliver an inclusive, productive approach.”

He added: “I’m delighted to begin those discussions here in Orkney, where fishing has been the lifeblood of coastal communities for centuries.”

The discussion paper is available on the Scottish Government website from 8am.

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.

 

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.