18 May, 2007

THE SCOTTISH Fisherman's Federation (SFF) yesterday welcomed the appointment of Richard Lochhead as the country's new fishing minister yesterday (Thursday), saying it gave them high hopes for the industry's future sustainability.

Mr Lochhead is replacing departing minister Ross Finnie who was rural affairs minister with responsibility for fishing for eight years.

SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said: "We published our priorities before the elections and the new minister published his action plan. I am delighted to note that there is a strong alignment.

"We have all the components of a refreshed approach to what the Scottish industry does best, the sustainable harvesting of a superb range of natural resources.

"Principally, we look forward to a stronger representation of the Scottish industry, which by any measurement forms the backbone of UK fishing.

"We welcome also the strong commitment to fisheries science, building further on the cooperation already in place between industry and the fisheries science community."