This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Progress on regional fisheries management
24/05/2004
European Fisheries Ministers today took a step towards
greater devolution of fisheries management with an
agreement to establish Regional Advisory Councils
(RACs).
The Councils bring together fishermen, scientists and
all those with an environmental or economic interest in
fish stocks, to advise on fisheries management issues
within designated areas.
Their creation is a key element in reform of the Common
Fisheries Policy.
Today's agreement provides the principles and
guidelines, as well as funding, to allow members to take
forward proposals for the creation of RACs in the North
Sea, Mediterranean, Baltic, South Western Waters, North
Western Waters, International Waters and the herring and
mackerel fishery of the Western Waters. A shadow RAC for
the North Sea has already been set up.
Attending the Fisheries Council, Minister for
Environment and Rural Development Ross Finnie said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to the principle
that those affected by decisions on fisheries management
should have an effective voice in making those
decisions.
"Our position is that effective regional management is
key to securing a sustainable and profitable future for
Scotland's fishing industry.
"The decision we took today in Brussels marks a vital
step towards achieving that objective.
"It is critical that RACs quickly demonstrate the
valuable role they can play in achieving a more rational
and flexible approach to fisheries management.
"The framework we have agreed today, and the funding put
in place, will ensure that those already involved in the
shadow North Sea RAC have the support they need to play an
important role in developing and informing fisheries
management."
The North Sea RAC is expected to be the first of the
Councils to become operational. Members will include
representatives of the fishing industries of Belgium,
France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and
Denmark. Also represented will be Scottish Seafood
Processors Federation, Seas at Risk, Bird Life
International, WWF, Federation of European Aquaculture
Producers, European Anglers Alliance, and the North Sea
Women's Network.