18 April, 2008

SHETLAND skipper Davie Hutchison has been appointed vice chairman of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, the first time a Shetland man has held office in the organisation.

Mr Hutchison, who skippers and part owns the Whalsay mid-water trawler Charisma, has been a director of the association since 1984.

His appointment, announced yesterday (Thursday), follows the retirement of chairman Andrew Tait. His job is taken over by Alex Wiseman, of Banff, who has been vice chairman since 2004.

Mr Hutchison said he was delighted to take over the role of vice chairman. “It is important for our fleet to have a strong voice in Europe as we remain a key stakeholder in all of the main North Atlantic pelagic fisheries and I am looking forward to playing my part,” he said.

Mr Wiseman added: “Our sector has faced a number of challenges in recent years and as an association we are well aware of the need to maximise the available fishing opportunities for our fleet. We will continue to make that our number one priority and will engage at all levels of fishing politics to get our message across.

“It is now recognised that fishermen have a valuable contribution to make in all aspects of fisheries management. Scottish pelagic fishermen are taking the lead throughout Europe in good fisheries practice to ensure that we protect our future by fishing sustainably. Our major fisheries are currently undergoing Marine Stewardship Council assessment and the entire fleet has signed up to the Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme.”