Marine / Attempt to develop national plan for fisheries welcomed
THE LOCAL fishing industry has cautiously welcomed a commitment to draw up a national action plan that could develop a roadmap for the country’s fishing and seafood industry.
Executive officer for the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) Daniel Lawson said too little detail was available for him to respond at length just yet.
However, generally, fishing crews are happy to see “an attempt towards a strategic plan for supporting their industry; rather than lurching between economic shocks and political let downs – as it feels to many of them at the moment”, he said.
It comes as former UK fishing minister Daniel Zeichner has been appointed by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fisheries as independent chair to oversee the work on the strategic plan.
He will work alongside joint APPG chairs Alistair Carmichael and Melanie Onn, the MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, supported by a large industry wide review board.
The APPG announcement this week comes after the UK Government released details of its £360 million coastal growth fund, which has come under attack for its low allocation of funds to Scotland.
Lawson said: “Broadly speaking there needs to be a tide turned in political thinking: from fishing as an out-of-sight and so out-of-mind problem child to a naturally recurring, low carbon and healthy food source which supports rural areas and retains nation food production capacity at a time of global instability.
“Some true strategic thinking along those lines would go a long way to seeing the country’s fishing fleet in a better place: politically and economically.”
He added: “Pleased to see both Alistair Carmichael and Daniel Zeichner involved in leading the development of any new strategic plan for fishing, and content that they will make sure the plan comes to reflect and benefit all areas of the UK.”
Carmichael said: “Over the past years the context in which the UK’s fleets and seafood businesses are operating has changed dramatically.
“Fisheries today are faced with numerous challenges from spatial squeeze, new marine protection proposals, questions relating to investment, access and training for workers across the sector, safety issues, exacerbated by concerns surrounding cuts to critical stocks, ongoing trade challenges and negotiations over quota and access.
“Adding to this, responsibility for issues relating to the sector sits across multiple departments and agencies.”
The Orkney and Shetland MP added: “If this sector – so important to coastal and island communities right around our country – is to succeed, it needs a clear strategy. This is why the APPG is developing this action plan.”
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