This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Debate on future of freshwater fisheries
25/04/2002
The future of Scotland's freshwater fisheries was the
focus of a debate held in the Scottish Parliament
today.
The debate, which focused on the Green Paper: Scotland's
Freshwater Fish and Fisheries; Securing Their Future,
outlines a number of proposals for the industry, which
include:-
- proposals for controls over the introduction and
transfer of non-indigenous species,
* outlines of a review into the economic impact of the
fishing sector,
* proposals for a management structure covering all
freshwater fish.
Opening the debate, Allan Wilson, Deputy Minister for
Environment and Rural Development said:
"Scotland has a wealth of freshwater fish and fisheries
resources, but these must be managed properly to ensure
that they are sustained successfully for the benefit of the
people of Scotland.
"We must ensure that future generations of Scots and
visitors to Scotland, will be able to enjoy fishing across
the country.
"There are a number of initiatives that are already
underway, including consulting on a ban of the sale of rod
caught salmon and sea trout, carrying out an economic
analysis of the freshwater fisheries sector, and promoting
angling tourism.
"Other issues, such as introductions of certain fish
species, would require new subordinate legislation to be
made, and this process should begin later in the year. Some
of the proposals contained in the Green Paper would require
new primary legislation. Before committing to regulatory
measures, Ministers are keen to see how these proposals
might work in practice on a voluntary basis.
Closing the debate, Ross Finnie, Minister for
Environment and Rural Development said:
"It is important that we seize this opportunity to bring
the management of our freshwater fish and fisheries into
the 21st century. This calls for rational, informed and
sensitive management and wide participation among the
various sectors of the salmon and freshwater fishing
community."
The Green Paper, Scotland's Freshwater Fish and
Fisheries: Securing Their Future, was issued for full
public consultation on 8 August 2001. The closing date for
responses was 31 October 2001.
A total of eight hundred and twenty-four copies of the
Green Paper were issued, inviting responses on a range of
issues relating to the conservation, management and
development of sustainable fisheries for salmon and
freshwater fish in Scotland. One hundred and forty-six
responses were received.
Some of the proposals can be taken forward by
administrative measures, such as the economic survey.
Others, such controlling introductions of non-native
species, and banning the sale of rod caught fish, can be
dealt with by subordinate legislation. Others will require
primary legislation. Before committing to regulatory
measures, Ministers are keen to see how these proposals
might work in practice on a voluntary basis, and
discussions with the various interested parties on how to
move forward continue.