The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation is calling on new First Minister, John Swinney, to ‘right the wrongs’ of the Bute House Agreement and commit to supporting the country’s fishing industry.
Now that power-sharing between the SNP and the Scottish Greens has ended, SFF chief executive, Elspeth Macdonald, sees on opportunity to reposition the fishing industry as a ‘climate-smart’ sector, a perception she says was lacking under the deal.
“The Bute House Agreement was disastrous for Scotland’s fishing sector,” said Macdonald.
“It failed to recognise any positive benefits of fishing, seeing nothing but ‘problems’ that needed to be solved.”
SSF’s inaugural ‘Industry Trends and Attitudes’ report has found almost universal support for Scotland’s coastal communities, with 94% of 1,000 respondents stating that the fishing sector is important to the Scottish economy.
“This report aims to refocus the spotlight on to facts, not rhetoric,” said Macdonald.
“Ultimately, what we have found is Scotland values its fishing industry and the public has urged its politicians to support us, and put the sector at the forefront of decision making.”
The report delves into key social and political issues such as sustainability and food security, as well as the environmental impact of the sector.
It culminates in a call to action to not only protect the sector, but for it to work with government and other stakeholders to help ensure Scotland’s fishing is sustainable for the long term.
“Now is the time for action, and what we now ask for is calm rational debate on how we can move forward from what have been difficult times,” said Macdonald.
