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Fisheries: days at sea
28/11/2007
The European Commission has made proposals for the December Fisheries Council. This includes cuts of 25 per cent in days at sea for the West of Scotland and 10 per cent in the North Sea.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:
"The proposed cuts in days at sea are a predictable negotiating tactic which we shall strongly resist at December Council. We need to give our fishermen a just reward for all their sacrifices and contributions to conserving fish stocks, whereas these proposals could force some of them out of work.
"Scotland is arguing for a fresh approach to conserving fish stocks building on the innovative measures we have already implemented in Scottish waters.
"The Commission needs to recognise that the Scottish fleet is leading the EU in this area. And we are continuing to work with our industry and environmental groups to develop more effective ways to protect and nurture our stocks - rather than the crude sledgehammer of cuts in days at sea."