Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead
Tribute to the fishing industry
Scottish Fishermens' Federation Annual Dinner 2008
October 9, 2008
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I value hugely the robust yet constructive way we have worked together this year. We don't always agree, but we share a passion for creating a better future for Scottish fishing.
Tonight I want to say a little about the past year. But above all I want to focus on the challenges that lie ahead - how together we can deliver a successful and profitable future - For today's fishermen and for the generations of fishermen to come.
In the past year, I believe we have delivered on our pledge to make fishing a priority. 2008 started on a high when we secured a historic deal in the European negotiations. Under Conservation Credits, we began to loosen the shackles of the Common Fisheries Policy. This year, we've operated our own days at sea scheme.
Fishermen have benefited from additional days that recognise the steps they take to conserve and nurture stocks. It's also meant that it's been cheaper to lease days. Saving the industry around half a million pounds.But most importantly, the Scottish sector has shown leadership in the EU by rising to the challenge of ensuring sustainable cod fisheries - leading the debate and offering solutions.
Last year's deal was the result of unprecedented joint working between Government and the industry. Active fishermen, many of them in this room, at the heart of our decision making. The industry was then brought back down to earth with a bang by soaring fuel prices.
On fuel, I pay tribute to James Brown and the task force for their hard work in coming up with ideas to help the industry cope with fuel bills. With our limited budgets we did what we could to back up their ideas with money. We've directed nearly £29 million to help, including £19 million of EFF.
For, while the recent modest falls in the price of fuel are welcome, together we have to face up to an era of high and volatile fuel costs and take steps to help the industry adapt.A key multi-billion Scottish industry, such as fishing, is not immune to the impact of the financial turmoil that is dominating our TV screens at the moment. The First Minister called yesterday for a combined and coherent response by all governments.
Each week, Cabinet will now be discussing the impact of the economic whirlwind on the Scottish economy.
I appreciate that this industry is not immune to the credit crunch. I will be maintaining regular contact with the organisations in this room and through the Scottish Fisheries Council to discuss the impact of the economic turbulence on the industry.
Clearly one way to navigate these difficult times will be to get maximum value from the top quality, healthy and delicious food product that you land on the quayside.
We've made excellent progress this year in developing Scotland's first national food and drink policy. And crucially, we've opened up what I believe will be a very productive dialogue with the supermarkets - but time will tell. Let me assure you - seafood is at the heart of our food policy.
But before I leave the past year, we should pause together to remember the tragic deaths of men at sea. And the truly appalling accident in Fraserburgh harbour. And all of us were struck by the selfless courage of Charles Bruce, who tried in vain to bring his colleague back on board the New Dawn.
The wider reaction, across Scotland, brought home to me again the strength of support for fishing communities and fishermen that exists throughout Scotland - in the cities as well as at the coast. And people are always commenting to me about their admiration for the industry which they witness on the Trawlermen series on TV.
The nation values our fishermen, your way of life and the traditions you represent. Your industry holds a special place in Scotland. And that is why the Scottish Government, and all of us, must not only deal with the short term but keep our attention focussed on the longer term.
Not only consider what is best for today's generation of fishermen but future generations as well. Safeguarding the industry's future is about many things. It is certainly about sustainable fisheries. There is hugely encouraging progress here.
I've already talked about Conservation Credits. I can announce tonight that we have agreed with the steering group an extension of our highly successful real time closures. As a first example of seasonal closures, the Long Hole in the Fladden will be closed from December to March to reflect the very high abundance of cod in the area at that time of year. This is a great example of how, working with the industry, we can fine-tune existing measures to make them even more effective.
I was also delighted that our North Sea herring fleet recently won certification by the Marine Stewardship Council. With mackerel, haddock and several nephrops fisheries already far down this road, I am confident this time next year we'll be celebrating several more. I spoke to one leading processor last week who told me that customers are now demanding more than ever that seafood has the stamp of sustainability - a message that vindicates the industry's efforts. And let me warmly welcome the Federation's statement of environmental policy, with its very impressive six point pledge on sustainability. This pledge underscores that our fishermen are serious about sustainability - and are taking action to conserve fishing stocks for current and future generations.
That commitment makes it all the more infuriating for all of us that, each and every day, fishermen face the heartbreaking scenario of having to dump good quality marketable fish overboard - dead - into the sea.
And, against a backdrop of economic pressures, the need to conserve stocks, and predicted global food shortages.
None of us want to see behaviour that jeopardises precious marine resources and the future of our fishing industry and fishing communities. I can't begin to imagine what it feels like to dump the fruits of your labour overboard.
We all agree that this is a problem and it will be far better for us if the solution is made in Scotland rather than have it dictated to us from elsewhere.
That's why Scotland is taking a clear lead on this. I know that Scotland speaks with one voice (as illustrated with your President's comments this evening).
At the recent Discards Summit, there was consensus amongst skippers, industry representatives, environmentalists and policy makers, that this wasteful practice must end. And it must end soon.
We are all determined to find solutions, and willing to consider radical measures that will be demanding to implement.
Last week, I met with the Norwegians Deputy Fisheries Minister to discuss discarding. It is clear that other nations are paying close attention to our innovations and are learning from our leadership - and following Scotland's example.
This year we have a golden opportunity to address the issue of discards. We can build on our good work under Conservation Credits. Promote the expansion of our cod avoidance measures and call for the setting of a higher, more realistic TAC which allows us to land more and catch less.
Land more and catch less - that must be our guiding principle. We need more focus on removals from the sea rather than what is landed ashore.
Team Scotland will work together to deliver these priorities throughout the autumn, and to deliver the increase in the North Sea Cod TAC that Scotland so badly needs to continue to manage our fisheries responsibly and sustainably.
North sea cod won't be the only challenge in this year's negotiations. We also face a tough task on the west coast.
We are ready to act to ensure sustainable whitefish fisheries - but the solutions must fit our circumstances. Not the convenience of the Commission.
As we approach the talks we must not lose sight of our successes . Our top 4 stocks -worth over two thirds of all our catches - are all in good health. We shall be working hard to make sure we get the just reward. That means:
- resisting the inexplicable reversal of approach to the nephrops quota
- securing responsible increases for monkfish and megrim
- achieving banking and borrowing for haddock and
- ensuring that for mackerel whatever fishing opportunities are opened up by next Monday's science are not undermined by the irresponsible behaviour of others
Over the summer recess, I heard from many of you just how tough things are. The Scottish Fisheries Council has worked hard to identify priorities for the negotiations.
The Team Scotland approach has brought important gains.
We will build on this approach this year. We will stand up for Scotland to get the best deal we can for our fishing communities and we will take the lead in protecting our marine resources.
Quota management
But conserving fish stocks is of limited value if we don't conserve the right to fish them. We owe it to future generations to tackle both. That's why we have worked so hard this year to get to grips with the future arrangements governing our fishing rights. These rights are critical.
Up to now we've had a "one size fits all" joint UK framework. All our attempts in recent years at moving the debate forward ran into the sand. This has stopped us from putting in place arrangements tailored to our circumstances.
Scotland can and should take responsibility for the stewardship of this precious resource.
In May, we launched the consultation on new quota and licensing arrangements. I would like to thank all those who responded.
I will be writing to you at the end of this month setting out our plans. I will also be seeking your further views on some of the ideas put to us.
Within such a diverse industry there are of course differences of view. I respect that.
Let me be clear about what we have in mind. It is no secret I am strongly opposed to an ITQ system. I am simply not willing to take the risks to communities that are inherent in an unbridled free market approach. As the banking crisis has taught us, a lack of suitable regulation can come back to haunt us all.
Fishing activity in Scotland is critical to the survival of communities around our coastline.
Many of you here tonight have told me that you have sons, grandsons and nephews who want to make their livelihoods in fishing and continue with a traditional way of life. We must provide them with the opportunity.
Your birthright has been passed from generation to generation. If we break the chain, there is no going back.
I believe our proposals will give greater certainty and provide a stable platform to develop successful businesses - for the benefit of both the current and future generations.
But even conserving stocks and rights will not safeguard future generations if we don't get the fisheries management right. Any analysis of the CFP will show that we certainly have not.
I have said repeatedly that it is time for an honest and informed debate on the ills of the Common Fisheries Policy. It has not served Scotland's interests.
I welcome the European Commission's recognition of the immediate need for a fundamental review of the current model. But they must not rule out any option. I look forward to representing Scotland's position on a national and European stage and continuing the campaign to return influence and control over our own fisheries to Scotland. Last year's deal was just the start. There is much work to do.
I am arranging for a small group to meet shortly to start drawing up proposals for the future management of fisheries. This inquiry will take evidence from the industry and identify and develop alternative models to vastly improve fisheries management.
The conclusions of this inquiry will be delivered in one year's time and will have far-reaching influence. Friends, this has clearly been a challenging year.
But, as I close, I want to say how proud I am that we're working together to take control of our own destiny.
We - Government, industries and communities - are pledged to protect our fishing resources and their communities. We're leaving behind the notion that our purpose is to manage decline.
Our purpose is to secure a profitable future for Scotland's fishermen.
We have a creative and positive relationship between managers, scientists and fishermen that will secure sustainable stocks. We are determined that our fishing communities will continue to be vibrant, optimistic places that attract new generation of fishermen can grow up.
Together, we're driving forward the debate for better approaches to fisheries management. Building on the success of the conservation credits scheme; leading Europe to tackle the scourge of discards. And, opening up a positive debate on alternatives to the CFP.
We willingly set for ourselves this demanding agenda. Scotland is blessed with the lion's share of Europe's seas and the lion's share of the stocks on these seas - let's work together to ensure that this bounty continues to deliver benefits for the nation and this industry.