Fergus Ewing wants Scotland to get key role in fisheries negotiations
Scotland must play a central role in upcoming UK Government negotiations on fisheries, the Rural Economy Secretary has said.
Scotland must play a central role in upcoming UK Government negotiations on fisheries, the Rural Economy Secretary has said.
Fergus Ewing will call on MSPs from across the Holyrood chamber to support the Scottish Government's negotiating position before the talks next week.
The annual December fisheries council in Brussels will agree fish catching opportunities for 2017.
Speaking before a Scottish Parliament debate on the end-of-year negotiations, Mr Ewing said: While we may have less than 10% of the UK population, Scotland landed 78% of the total UK catch of key stocks in 2015 and is undoubtedly a key player in Europe's fishing industry
The UK Government must recognise this and ensure that Scotland is at the heart of discussions when it leads negotiations at December council. It would be completely unacceptable for the UK fisheries minister to prioritise England in these talks.
The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial to helping the fleet continue to implement the landing obligation while maintaining its approach to sustainable fishing and remaining economically viable.
I hope all parties in the Scottish Parliament will today support the Scottish Government's efforts to achieve the best possible outcome for Scotland's fishermen, coastal communities and wider seafood sectors at December council.''
Meanwhile, the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) urged MSPs to recognise the opportunities that Brexit could offer for Scottish fishing communities.
The SFF has welcomed the vote to leave the European Union (EU), arguing it offers the chance to design a new fisheries management regime that will bring economic benefits.
Chief executive Bertie Armstrong said: Fishermen across the UK are united in their belief that Brexit, if handled properly, offers a sea of opportunity of sustained economic benefit for our coastal communities.
Such benefits can only happen if parliamentarians from all parts of the political spectrum join together and throw their support behind our fishing communities to ensure the best possible deal for fishing post-Brexit.''