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Fishing industry talks
18/12/2007
Opposing cuts in days at sea remains the top priority for Scotland at the annual fisheries negotiations underway in Europe, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said today.
Speaking from Brussels following the first round of crunch talks, Mr Lochhead said:
"My priority is to secure a fair deal for Scotland's fishermen and that means our over-riding objective is to resist the draconian cuts in days at sea proposed by the European Commission.
"I am deeply dissatisfied with the first compromise from the Commission.
"Crude cuts in days at sea are the wrong way to achieve a sustainable future for Scotland's seas. Our fishermen are at the forefront of new and innovative measures which offer a more suitable way of conserving fish stocks.
"I will continue to hammer this home during the fisheries negotiations. Our fishing industry deserves no less.
"There is a real sense that our fishing communities are entering calmer waters and this must not be jeopardised by another ludicrous deal from Brussels. My job at these talks is to ensure that continues by securing the best possible deal for Scotland at these talks."