This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister underlines united front in fish talks
02/12/2002
Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie
today underlined the united front taken in negotiations
over the future of fish stocks at European Councils.
Speaking in Shetland where the Minister met with
Representatives of the Shetland Fishermen's Federation, the
Shetland Fish Processors Association and the Shetland
Oceans Alliance, Mr Finnie said:
"Last week the European Commission stood by its
proposals of an 80 per cent reduction in effort as an
alternative to closure. Under these proposals Shetland's
fishing community and those of Scotland are facing a crisis
as serious as any in their long history.
"I have made it absolutely clear that I do not accept an
80 per cent reduction as an alternative to closure.
Scottish and UK Ministers are fighting together to present
realistic and workable alternatives to the Commission's
draconian proposals.
"I am committed to working with the industry to secure
its long term future. After Fraserburgh, Shetland has the
heaviest reliance on fishing of any community in Scotland.
It is vital therefore that I hear at first hand the views
of those involved in the industry here at this critical
time.
"This industry has a proud tradition of selfless
co-operation in times of hardship. Its future and that of
the communities it supports depends now on the industry
working with government to present a viable alternative to
these unacceptable proposals."