23 January, 2008

VICE convener of Shetland Islands Council Josie Simpson and Shetland Fishermen’s Association chairman Lesley Tait attended the inaugural meeting of the new Scottish Fisheries Council yesterday (Tuesday).

The new body brings together representatives of the fishing industry, conservation groups and the scientific community to work towards a sustainable future for fishing in Scotland.

One of the SFC’s key functions as a conduit between government and interest groups will be to promote the new Conservation Credits scheme agreed at December’s Fisheries Council in Brussels.

Conservation Credits allow the Scottish Government to give back fishing days to crews that comply with voluntary conservation measures such as real time closures and technical alternations to fishing gear.

Scottish fishing secretary Richard Lochhead, chairing yesterday’s meeting, said this was a “time of hope and optimism” for fishing communities.

"I want the Scottish Fisheries Council to make a real difference to fishermen and fishing communities across Scotland. Its establishment demonstrates the ambitions we have for the future of our seas and the future of fishing in Scotland," Mr Lochhead said.

The SFC will introduce Scotland's first Marine Prize recognising innovations that contribute to a sustainable future for Scottish fisheries.

"The Marine Prize will reward innovation in areas such as conserving fish stocks, protecting the marine environment or enhancing a fishing community,” Mr Lochhead said.

Membership of the Scottish Fisheries Council covers all sectors related to the fishing industry, including fishermen, processors, retailers, community representatives, fisheries scientists and policy makers, environmental groups, enforcement and industry bodies.

The full member ship is:
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affair and the Environment;
Ian Gatt, President, Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF)
James Brown , SFF
Derek Duthie, SFF
Kenny McNab, SFF
Lesley Tait, SFF
Roddy McColl, Fishermen's Association Ltd (FAL)
Josie Simpson, Shetland Council
Duncan McInnes, Western Isles Fishermen's Association
Helen McLachlan, WWF
Mark Ruskell, RSPB
Andrew Mallison, Marks and Spencers retailers
Allan Burns, Scotland Food and Drink
Prof Mike Kaiser, Bangor University
Linda Cross, Scottish Seafood
Michael Parker, Youngs Processors
Sir Ian Wood
David Grant, Committee of Scottish Clearing Banks
John Rutherford, Seafish
Libby Woodhatch, Seafood Scotland
Robin Cook Director, Fisheries Research Services
Paul du Vivier Chief Executive, Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency Ian Jardine, Chief Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage