UK urged to pay heed to 'vital needs' of Scottish fishermen in quota talks
The Fisheries Secretary has called on the UK Government to take the ``vital needs'' of Scottish fishermen into account at the December fisheries negotiations.
The Fisheries Secretary has called on the UK Government to take the vital needs'' of Scottish fishermen into account at the December fisheries negotiations.
Fergus Ewing MSP will attend the conclusion of the Agrifish Council's annual talks in Brussels on Monday, which will decide the industry's fish quotas for 2017.
Speaking ahead of it he urged the UK Government to take Scotland's interests into account when it negotiates on behalf of the whole of the UK.
The Scottish Government is calling for greater flexibility for vessels, to allow them to fish in more areas, and is appealing to the UK Fisheries Minister to stop fish quotas from being traded away unnecessarily as part of these negotiations.
Mr Ewing said he would be very disappointed'' if the uncertainty of Scotland's and the UK's future in the EU influences negotiations.
He said: At these vital end-of-year negotiations it's crucial that the UK delegation focuses on the day job and getting the best possible deal for our industry.
A good deal for Scotland would mean more flexibility for vessels and an acknowledgement that quota trading must be in Scotland's interests.
Scotland should be at the heart of discussions which is why we will push the UK Government to deliver the best deal possible this week. If they do not act on our vital needs the results could be financially damaging.
We have delivered some good results for the fleet so far at EU/Norway and EU/Faroe with cod, whiting, saithe and mackerel, but it's important that there's recognition of the diverse nature of fishing, and that many other species require our attention.''
He added: My priority is ensuring that Scotland's fishing industry - and the onshore jobs and businesses supported by that industry - gets a deal which serves all of our interests. I'd be very disappointed if the uncertainty of Scotland's and the UK's future in the EU is allowed to influence our negotiating position. There is a time and a place for those discussions - these negotiations are not it.''