Election / Council candidates asked to show support for fishing industry
CANDIDATES in next month’s council elections have been invited to show support for the local fishing fleet by signing the FISH Pledge, and thereby backing the broad aims and ambitions shared by local crews.
Shetland Fishermen’s Association executive officer Daniel Lawson said the sector was worth £138 million annually, directly employing 450 people.
The FISH pledge stands for: –
- Fully recognise Shetland’s fishing industry as the foundation of our island economy;
- Improve SIC support for fishing science, net zero ambitions, innovation, and development;
- Safeguard our sustainable and climate-smart fishery for the good of generations to come;
- Highlight the community, environmental, nutritional, and cultural benefits of fishing.
Lawson said: “Shetland has done well to keep a modern, family-owned fleet at the heart of our island economy. With an average crew age of 38 years old, fishing supports families, households, and other businesses all over the isles – to the benefit of us all.
“Our whole community should be proud of its fishing crews, and all council candidates should take this chance to publicly show that support – and help secure fishing’s future potential.”
All 35 Shetland Islands Council nominees will be contacted in the coming days, Lawson added, with signatories publicised via Shetland Fishermen on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The full list of candidates standing in the council elections can be found here.
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.