1 December, 2007

THE SCOTTISH Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has highlighted their priorities ahead of December’s fisheries meeting of the EU’s council of ministers.

Following this week’s EU-Norway fishing negotiations, SFF chairman Bertie Armstrong said that days at sea or effort control was a priority now that it was known what fisheries need to be supported.

“It is now clear that one of the main focus points for the Scottish industry will be days at sea for the prawn fleets in the North Sea and the west of Scotland.

“Two other urgent issues to address will be proposed cuts unjustified by stock science, for example, in west of Scotland herring, and reductions made purely on the basis of underutilisation.

“The SFF will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, beginning with meetings tomorrow and Monday, to make sure that the aims of sustainable fishing by a viable industry are met in the arrangements for next year.”