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'Crucial' fisheries talks to get underway
16/11/2009
Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead believes the European Commission must take Scotland's considerable progress on conservation issues into account when management plans are finalised.
Mr Lochhead has also expressed concern at the lack of time given by the Commission to fully consult and evaluate the impact of their proposals.
The November Fisheries Council starts on Friday (November 20) and is expected to run into the early hours of Saturday. It will mainly focus on a new set of technical conservation measures which could pave the way for the introduction of detailed new rules on nets, catch composition and minimum landing sizes for fishing vessels throughout the EU.
This week also sees the start of the EU-Norway negotiations, which set many of the whitefish quotas vital to Scottish fleets.
Speaking ahead of the Council talks in Brussels, Mr Lochhead said:
"We are entering a crucial phase for Scotland's fishing communities. This year been tough for some key sectors as a result of the recession and ill-fitting restrictions from Brussels. That's why we need the European Commission to make some necessary changes at the forthcoming November and December Councils.
"Many technical regulations will be discussed in Brussels at the end of this week. The new regulations that emerge from these talks must be workable and effective, particularly for the west of Scotland fishermen - many of whom have struggled to cope with counter-productive regulations imposed last year. I certainly share the industry's concern that vital proposals may be shoe-horned into one session without proper consideration of the implications.
"Despite the challenges, we have to focus on delivering the fairest possible deal for Scotland. A deal that rewards the industry for its innovative stance on fisheries conservation and provides Scotland with the flexibility to develop our own fisheries management measures.
"The key to a successful future for our fishermen is to change those absurd European regulations that undermine all our fleet's good work.
"One of our top priorities is securing more appropriate management measures for the west of Scotland whitefish fleet. Another is decisive action on discards, including working with like-minded member states such as Denmark as we move towards a "catch quota" system for our key whitefish stocks.
"Today (Monday) I will be discussing Scotland's priorities with the UK Fisheries Minister to ensure he is fully aware of what we will accept from this week's talks."