Marine / Politicians to draw up action plan for fishing industry
ANYONE with an interest or a stake in the nation’s fishing industry is being invited to contribute towards a long-term strategy for the sector.
A ‘Call for Evidence’ was made last week by Westminster’s All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
Any evidence provided will help shape an action plan for the industry, the parliamentarians said.
However, the local fishing industry has already voiced concern, describing it as “challenging” to produce a national plan that would “genuinely work for everyone”.
Executive officer with the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, Sheila Keith, said: “The fishing industry is not one uniform sector, but a mix of different fleets operating under very different business models and conditions.
“Inevitably, that leads to differing priorities and perspectives, which makes it hard for any national plan to capture the realities on the ground, particularly in places like Shetland.”
The APPG group is chaired by former UK fishing minister Daniel Zeichner, alongside Great Grimsby MP Melanie Onn and Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael.
Zeichner said: “We want to hear directly from those who live and work along our coasts, so we can shape an approach that supports the industry’s future and recognises its vital role in feeding the nation.”
As part of its inquiry the APPG is seeking input to help define actions across the following priority areas:
- Sustainable management and access
- Fleet modernisation, infrastructure and technology
- Workforce and labour
- Supply chains and domestic consumption
The group is also inviting views on enabling factors including public perception of the industry, policy and governance, science and knowledge and funding and investment.
Carmichael, who is also the chair of the parliament’s select committee on the environment, food and rural affairs, added: “Fishing remains the lifeblood of many of our island and coastal communities, including my own.
“With political will and by getting the right measures in place, we can secure this vital food producing sector – but this means listening to those who fish and live in these communities.
“That’s why we are launching this call – to ensure this action plan reflects realities on the ground and supports the industry’s future.”
Keith added: “A plan that tries to cover every part of such a varied industry may struggle to offer the level of detail or regional nuance needed to be genuinely useful.
“Even so, the Call for Evidence remains an important route for fishermen and their organisations to influence the outcome.
“With Alistair Carmichael serving as a chair of the APPG, there is a clear opportunity for Shetland’s particular needs and priorities to be heard as the action plan takes shape.”
Submissions can be made to the APPG Secretariat at secretariat@fisheriesappg.org The deadline for submissions is 11.59pm on 20 May.
Additional information can be found on the APPG’s website here.
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