This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Views sought on new European Fisheries Fund
30/08/2004
A
consultation
on the new European Fisheries Fund was launched today.
The fund, aimed at encouraging more sustainable fishing
and greater diversification in fishing communities, will be
introduced from 2007 as a successor for the current
Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG).
Fisheries Minister Ross Mr Finnie said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to the development
of a sustainable fishing industry in Scotland. Over the
years the availability of European funding through FIFG has
proved to be a valuable source of grant aid for our
fisheries and aquaculture businesses.
"The new fund seeks to strike a balance between
securing a viable future for the fishing industry and
protecting the marine environment and the important fish
stocks it supports.
"I am now keen to hear the views of stakeholders on the
successor arrangements put forward by the Commission. The
results of the exercise will help to ensure that the
Executive can shape the terms of the regulation to maximise
future benefits for Scotland's fisheries industry and the
communities that they support."
The EFF is intended to give priority to six key aims
:
• Support the CFP to ensure sustainable exploitation of
resources;
• Promote a sustainable balance between resources and
fleet capacity;
• Strengthen the competitiveness of economically
viable enterprises;
• Encourage protection of the environment and natural
resources;
• Encourage sustainable development and the
improvement of the quality of life in marine, lake and
coastal areas affected by fishing and aquaculture
activities and
• Promote equality between women and men in the
development of the sector and coastal fishing areas.
Consultees should provide comments by November 19, 2004
to provide responses. Details of the consultation can be
found on the Scottish Executive consultation web site
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations.