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Extra support for fishing fleets
29/12/2008
Help for fishermen to meet the cost of new conservation measures agreed at December Council, have been announced by the Scottish Government.
It follows fisheries negotiations which were dominated by the future of the west coast fishing communities.
Although the agreement presents considerable challenges, quotas for Scotland's five top stocks are either being increased or are at levels above last year's landings.
Now the Scottish Government is taking decisive action to help skippers meet the requirements of new conservation regulations and keep the vessels operating.
A west coast task force will establish a fast-track mechanism to help fishermen facing real financial difficulties access the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).
Addressing the Scottish White Fish Producers Association in Hopeman, near Elgin, today, Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"I was delighted that we successfully averted the threatened closure of west coast fisheries. The measures adopted will be effective in ensuring sustainable cod haddock and whiting fisheries while allowing other crucial fisheries to continue.
"We are however aware that the measures agreed involve challenges for the sector. We have therefore come up with a package of measures to help fishermen adjust during the tough economic climate.
"In particular we shall look favourably and urgently at applications under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) for help for fishing vessels to purchase more selective gear.
"In the current economic climate, a secure future for this vital industry has never been more important. Some of the alternative conservation measures that were agreed will be challenging but, as always, we will be there to help our fishermen.
"This Government has promised to do all it can to support businesses and individuals through difficult economic times. The fishing deal achieved in Europe last week will deliver economy benefits for the whole of Scotland and prevented huge economic dislocation on the west coast.
"This year we worked with the industry effectively in response to soaring fuel prices, making nearly £29 million available to respond to industry projects that boost fuel efficiency and make boats more profitable. I am determined to help them again in their hour of need."
West coast fishing is worth around £85 million, with prawns by far the biggest and most valuable sector with 275 boats and a value of £45 million (the prawn sector across Scotland as a whole is worth around £100 million).
Scotland has pioneered sustainable fishing in Europe during 2008 and put forward more sophisticated measures for protecting west coast whitefish stocks which would not unfairly penalise the prawn fleet. These included the use of different fishing nets which let more fish escape and real-time closures which shut parts of the sea when fish are in abundance.
The EFF programme is targeted to assist with capital investment in the aquaculture, fishing and fish processing industries. The programme can also support strategic trade initiatives, fisheries dependent communities and Scottish Government and European Community policy initiatives for the sustainable development of fisheries.
The EFF funds will be accessed to help meet the costs of adding a square mesh panel to fishermen's nets. These panels assist the escape of unwanted fish, thereby reducing discards and allowing the important nephrops (prawns/langoustines) fishery to continue.
The west coast task force established by Mr Lochhead will report on progress to the Scottish Fisheries Council on January 20, 2009.