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Ministerial Statement on Fishing Income Statisitics
30/05/2007
Commenting on Scottish fishing income and landing statistics released today, Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:
"Behind all these statistics are stories of real fishing communities. Many have gone through tough times and a lot of pain. Others are on the road to greater stability and prosperity.
"It is time for a fresh start. Fishing provides tens of thousands of jobs and generates hundreds of millions of pounds for the Scottish economy not only the fleets but also the landings, harbours, processing, food, retail and restaurant sectors.
"Scotland has the largest fishing zone of any single EU country and, importantly, the largest part of Europe's productive and fertile northern fishing grounds.
"But for too long Scottish fishing has not been treated as a priority. The new Scottish Government will give it the support it deserves and push for improvements at every level."