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Fishing deal into practice
20/12/2007
Work begins today on implementing the deal agreed by the Scottish Government at this week's annual fisheries talks in Europe.
Speaking after returning to the Scottish Parliament from Brussels, where Scotland won back responsibility for managing days at sea, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"The landmark agreement agreed this week, which provides the option to devolve the management of days at sea to the Scottish Government, was made in Scotland and won by Scotland. We are grateful to the European Commission and UK Government for co-operating with our proposal.
"Both in the run-up to the European Fisheries Council and at the Council itself, we hammered home our priorities to the UK Government and Europe. We also played an energetic and full part in the tough negotiations in Brussels. The other member states and the Commission were aware more than ever before of Scotland's presence and our case.
"Now many of our fishermen, our communities and, crucially, our marine environment can reap the rewards.
"I'd like to pay tribute to the fishing industry for their input. Without them this milestone agreement could not have been achieved. This was a partnership in every sense of the word but our joint work does not stop here. In fact this is merely the start and it is now up to every one of us, from me in my role as Cabinet Secretary to each and every fisherman to make this work.
"We will only have ourselves to blame if it doesn't but I am confident both the industry and the Scottish Government will rise to the challenge and fulfil our responsibilities.
"We will be working with the industry over the coming days and weeks to work out how best to implement the devolved arrangements handed back to Scotland. I want to see our new system of Conservation Credits, which will reward fishermen with extra days at sea in return for adopting sustainable fishing practices, up and running by February.
"This is a new era for Scotland's fishermen. We will be looking to them to act responsibly as marine stewards and to use their new freedoms in a way which will benefit both the industry and the environment. I know they are up to the task as they are already blazing a trail in Europe by signing up to real-time closures and onboard observers, practices designed to protect juvenile stocks."
Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, said:
"The success at the end of a long process of joint work on control of days at sea is welcomed. The really encouraging thing is the potential for the future in dealing with a range of fishing issues across the board which still need urgent Government attention - for instance, the vitally important herring and mackerel industry and the prawn and shellfish fleets. Government commitment will continue to be matched by industry engagement to ensure a bright commercial future for responsible, sustainable Scottish fishing."
Mike Park, Executive Chairman of the Scottish White Fish Producers' Association, said:
"This deal marks a new era for Scots fishermen. This is our opportunity to show that we are a responsible industry that wants to build a sustainable future for our seas. I look forward to continue working closely and constructively with the Scottish Government."