This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Close co-opeation with industry the key to fisheries success - Home Robertson
29/10/1999
The Scottish Executive will work closely with fishermen to encourage the development of sustainable and locally-managed fisheries, John Home Robertson said today.
The Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs - who has particular responsibility for fisheries issues - was speaking at the Scottish Fishermen's Federation annual dinner in Edinburgh. He stressed the need for close co-operation to guarantee a successful industry and safeguard fragile rural areas.
Mr Home Robertson said:
"I am determined to have a close and honest working relationship with SFF and fishermen. Partnership is undoubtedly the key theme of The Scottish Executive approach to fisheries and was set out in a Partnership for Scotland.
"I am committed to encouraging local involvement in fisheries. This has clearly been demonstrated by the formation of the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group and the recent Shetland Regulating Order.
"Better consultation and as much industry involvement as possible is a priority. The only way forward is to work in partnership with the industry and involve them as fully as possible.
"The industry and I won't always see eye-to-eye. The Government will have to take tough decisions - but I want to work with fishermen to support industry in the short-term while taking a long-term sustainable view of stocks.
"Devolution presents excellent opportunities for the fishing industry in Scotland and the potential for innovative and forward-thinking policies. Fisheries are now the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament and I want to develop Scottish solutions to Scottish problems.
"But Scotland very much remains a part of the UK - and has the bulk of the UK fishery and catches. That makes Scotland a key player in fisheries and only this week I attended the European Fisheries Council and spoke for the UK on the issue of tariffs - which is of particular importance to Scottish fishermen.
"That highlights the benefits of Devolution to the fishing industry and the key role The Scottish Executive - in close co-operation with the SFF and the industry as a whole - has to play in the UK and Europe."
BACKGROUND
Mr Home Robertson was speaking at the SFF annual dinner at the Post House Hotel, Edinburgh.
News Release: SE1088/1999
29 Oct 1999