SNP MSP Christian Allard is reminding organisations and individuals that it is their last opportunity to provide further written representations on the Scottish Marine Protected Areas to Scotland’s Fishing Minister Richard Lochhead by 12 July 2015.
The Scottish Government will be giving consideration to all responses and will meet with stakeholders as necessary. Marine Scotland is undertaking meetings with stakeholders, including fishing associations, to discuss the proposals.
“I am delighted that the Scottish Government has, again, listened to the Scottish fishing industry and extended the time for fishermen to have their say,” said Mr Allard.
“The approach of Scotland’s Fishing Minister has been consistent, listening to the many views from all involved in fishing across Scotland.
“This is a position that very much reflects the sharp contrast between the two Governments in the UK. The one at Westminster is only concerned about financial services while the Scottish Government has fishing as a key priority for growth and sustainability of our fishing communities.”
“While Conservative MEP Ian Duncan confirmed on STV that the UK Government’s interest in the EU is to protect financial services, Alex Salmond MP for Gordon made it clear in a recent interview that the only power that he would want to see repatriated is the Fisheries Policy.”
