25 June, 2008

THE UK and Scottish governments are being urged to help fishermen with fuel costs after a meeting of the European fisheries council yesterday (Tuesday).

Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive Bertie Armstrong said final proposals for a package of support measures for European fishing fleets will be decided next month.

However he said it was clear that while Europe would provide some cash, the bulk would have to come from national governments.

Mr Armstrong said failure to act could “deliver a fatal blow to segments of the fleet”.

He said: “It would lead to the nightmare scenario where some European fishing fleets will gain aid to help see them through the fuel crisis, while the Scottish fleet is given nothing and is put at a severe competitive disadvantage.

“The Scottish fishing fleet is the third largest in Europe and it is imperative that we get support– otherwise our fishing industry could face the tragedy of an unplanned collapse.”