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Ministers Tell Fischler That Scottish Fishermen Must Be At The Heart Of European Fisheries
09/11/2000
Scotland has a key role to play in European fisheries at a vital time for the industry, Scottish Executive Ministers told Franz Fischler today.
The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Commissioner is on a two-day visit to Scotland. Minister for Rural Development Ross Finnie and his Deputy Rhona Brankin - who has particular responsibility for fisheries in addition to supporting Mr Finnie on agriculture issues - discussed a range of issues with Mr Fischler.
Mr Finnie said:
"The timing of this visit is particularly appropriate as we look forward to the forthcoming review of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Scottish fishing industry is finding it hard for many reasons - but there can be no doubt that the big issue we have to address is the lack of fish in our waters.
"Based on the latest scientific advice, there are tougher times ahead. This will be felt all over Europe and right here in Peterhead, where one third of jobs depend directly or indirectly on fishing.
"The people of Peterhead - and, indeed, all Scottish fishermen - want a sustainable fishing industry. I believe the only way for us to achieve this is for fishermen, scientists, the European Commission and the Scottish Executive to work together.
"We are already tackling these difficult issues in Scotland. We are thinking long-term. We are utilising technology and we are utilising innovation. The best example of this is our pioneering work in the field of technical conservation measures.
"Evidence from the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen has shown that our square mesh panels initiative is helping to prevent the wasteful discarding of huge quantities of juvenile fish. In March we are bringing in unilateral twine thickness limits which go beyond those anywhere else.
"We are taking sustainable fishing seriously and we are leading the way in implementing measures to improve our prospects for the future. We hope the rest of Europe will follow our lead in taking the bold steps that are needed if we are to preserve our ever-diminishing fish stocks.
"Continuing the theme of working together, I believe that the 2002 CFP review presents us all with an excellent opportunity to promote a more inclusive approach to fisheries management with a genuine regional dimension. It also combines the twin objectives of better conservation and better management of fisheries.
"The Scottish Executive, and our partners in the rest of the UK, are firmly committed to the continuation of the CFP beyond 2002. I accept that the CFP does need reform, not least because it can be cumbersome to involve all 15 Member States in the detail of every decision. In this context, we need to be alert to the further challenge that enlargement of the EU will bring.
"I am particularly keen to involve the fishing industry along with scientists and managers in actively formulating fisheries policy. Fishermen obviously have a special understanding of their fisheries. I think that the majority of fishermen are genuinely concerned about their own future, and I would like to take advantage of sound advice from responsible fishermen."
And Ms Brankin added:
"There is absolutely no doubt that this is a crucial time for the industry in Scotland - and, indeed, across the whole of Europe. The ongoing review of the Common Fisheries Policy offers many opportunities and I intend to place Scottish fishermen - and fishing communities - at the heart of our discussions with Europe.
"Sustainable development and good governance are two of the likely chapters of the forthcoming green paper on CFP review. No-one understands the need for sustainability better than the fishermen here in Peterhead, and I support moves to enhance the regional dimension of the CFP.
"But by far the most pressing issue facing us at this time is undoubtedly the state of fish stocks. That is a major concern and it has been hammered home to me in my early meetings with the industry.
"The fish - particularly cod - just aren't there to be caught. And it will be difficult to argue against a decrease in TACs at the December Fisheries Council when fishermen are struggling to catch their allowances for this year. Indeed, the desperate state of the cod stocks means we will need to work together with the industry and EC to come up with radical and innovative solutions if cod stocks are to be preserved."
BACKGROUND
1. Mr Finnie, Minister for Rural Development, and Ms Brankin, the Deputy Minister for Rural Development, was speaking today as Mr Fischler visited Scotland. His visit was hosted by the Scottish Executive.
News Release: SE2890/2000
9 Nov 2000