North East MSP Christian Allard has backed calls for Seafish levies to be devolved in Scotland following news that the industry authority helped promote Norwegian fish.
The SNP MSP raised the issue at Parliament as UK-wide non-departmental public bodies like Seafish are required to be reviewed every three years, however the last Seafish review took place in 2011.
Mr Allard said: “I am quite surprised that a review of Seafish has not taken place since 2011. Non-departmental public body’s like this are required to be reviewed by their sponsoring department every three years, in this case the UK Government. “
“The Scottish Government does not believe that discussions between the four fisheries administrations of the UK address the fundamental flaws that are inherent in Seafish as a reserved body that is attempting to operate in an area in which policy is devolved.”
He added that once powers have been devolved, the Scottish Government will be in a position to undertake a proper and fundamental review of food levies in Scotland, including Scotland’s place in Seafish and the implications for that body’s role in the UK.
Meanwhile, Seafish told World Fishing & Aquaculture that the organisation is rightly proud of the work it delivers in Scotland, both on its own terms and through its support of partner organisations such as Seafood Scotland and Fisheries Innovation Scotland.
Janice Anderson, acting senior executive director at Seafish, told WF: “Our work programmes are supporting industry to prepare for the full implications of the Landing Obligation, ensure the safety and training of Scottish fishermen and support the exports of Scottish seafood and are adding value right across the seafood supply chain, from catch to plate.”
“While we are committed to supporting the four Administrations in their work around devolution, our focus continues to be business as usual and the good work we deliver on behalf of our industry stakeholders in Scotland, and across the UK.
She added that Defra make the decisions regarding reviews. “We expect this to be addressed once the current discussions around the Scotland Bill and the devolvement on food levies have been agreed," she said.
