This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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SFPA annual report published
14/10/2002
The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) has
published its annual report and accounts for the year
ending March 31, 2002.
Minister for Environment and Rural Development Ross
Finnie said:
"The Scottish Executive recognises the importance of
proper and effective monitoring of fishing activity and
enforcement of fisheries legislation to conserve stocks for
the long-term benefit of the industry and rural
communities.
"The Agency's staff have performed their duties in a
thoroughly professional and efficient manner often in
difficult conditions and circumstances.
"I am pleased the Agency has continued to perform well
against such demanding targets, in meeting 5 out of 10 set
for the year.
"Particularly commendable are the achievements of the
shore-based fishery officers whose inspection targets have
been especially challenging in the face of difficulties for
the catching sector, with reduced quotas for many
stocks.
"The processing of cases for prosecution has been
carried out proficiently although the number of cases, as a
percentage of all infringements, presented for prosecution
was marginally below target, principally because of
administrative difficulties outwith the Agency's
control.
"The £15 million spent annually on monitoring fishing
activity and enforcement in waters around Scotland and in
our ports represents less than 4% of the total value of
fish landed into Scotland in 2001 and, as such, continues
to be an important and very worthwhile investment of
taxpayers' money aimed at safeguarding the future of our
fishing industry."
The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) was
launched in April 1991 as an executive agency under the
Government's Next Steps programme. The SFPA has the
important task of monitoring the fishing activities of UK
and foreign fishing vessels within British Fishery Limits
at sea around Scotland as well as in Scottish ports.
The Agency is headed by a Chief Executive, Paul Du
Vivier. It employs 290 staff, operates five fishery
protection vessels and two aircraft and has a fishery
office in 18 of the major fishing ports.
Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts of the Scottish
Fisheries Protection Agency for the year ended March 31,
2002, ISBN number 0 10 888077 X, may be obtained from:
The Stationery Office
71 Lothian Road
Edinburgh
EH3 9AZ
Price: £15.10