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Consultation on fisheries management
09/07/2007
Fishing communities throughout Scotland are being invited to have their say in a consultation on the management of inshore fisheries.
Anstruther Town Hall will host the first of a series of meetings being held in fishing communities across Scotland to discuss the future well-being of coastal communities and how best we look after our inshore fisheries.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:
"In recent years, largely through the efforts of the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group (SIFAG), some good work has been done to introduce a system that delegates responsibility to fishermen and others involved in the industry.
"However, I know that progress has not always been as fast or as straightforward as we would have liked.
"I would like to know why this has been the case, how best we can meet the expectations of all stakeholders and put in place a management system that really can deliver our shared goal of profitable and sustainable inshore fisheries.
"During the meetings, my officials will seek the views of all those with an interest in the future well being of our fishing communities on how to refine and develop Inshore Fisheries Groups."
Meetings will take place:
- July 9, 7pm - Anstruther Town Hall, Fife
- July 11, 7pm - Ullapool Village Hall, Wester Ross
- July 19, 7pm - North Atlantic Fisheries College, Shetland
- July 24, 7pm - Royal Hotel,Kirkcudbright
- July 26, 7pm - Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall
- July 31, 7pm - Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula
Further meetings are being arranged in Inverness, Buckie, Aberdeen, Oban and the Clyde. Details will be published when arrangements have been finalised.
Those unable to attend the meetings can send written submission to the Inshore Team at Scottish Executive, Room 506, Pentland House, Edinburgh EH14 1TY, or by e-mail to inshorefisheries@scotland.gsi.gov.uk