"FPV HIRTA" will join Scotland''s fleet of fisheries protection vessels in their vital role of safeguarding our seas, sustaining our coastal communities and helping grow the economy, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.
The First Minister was speaking at the official commissioning of the "FPV HIRTA" into service at the fleet gathering in Leith today.
The First Minister said:
"Scottish waters account for 60 per cent of the UK's coastal waters. It is imperative that we have an effective and diverse fleet to protect, manage and sustain our seas. The vessels presented in today's fleet gathering, with the welcome addition of the "FPV HIRTA", proves that we have that.
"Looking to the future, we will launch our consultation on the Marine Bill next month to give the people of Scotland, for the first time, the opportunity to help shape the future management of Scotland's marine environment.
"The Marine Bill was an issue I discussed only yesterday, when I attended the historic joint ministerial committee in the House of Commons. We made good progress for all sea farers by establishing consensus of goodwill towards simplifying the Marine Bill in terms of conservation and planning.
"The Scottish Government is committed to protecting and sustaining our marine environment and will act in the best interests of all those who live in, work in and enjoy our coastal communities and the seas around them our seafarers. In the meantime, I wish the "FPV HIRTA" many safe and productive journeys in the future."
