A joint ministerial group is to be set-up to take forward reforms on new quota and licensing arrangements for Scotland and the rest of the UK.
The group will provide a platform to help take forward these important discussions, and help give clarity around devolved competence and responsibility for quota management and licensing. It will look at a broad range of issues, but will be mainly focused on:
• How can fisheries management arrangements be improved in areas such as quota and licensing?
• How can these arrangements help safeguard and support vulnerable, fishing dependent communities?
• How can our shared experiences of quota management and licensing best influence and inform discussions on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy?
Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"Following positive discussions with the UK Minister, we have agreed that now is not the time for a protracted legal wrangle over the different views as to what extent quota management and licensing is devolved. The best approach is to set up a Joint Ministerial Group to take forward discussions on how fisheries management arrangements can be improved.
"It will look at a range of issues, including safeguarding vulnerable coastal communities and how all parts of the UK can implement appropriate management measures to meet their industry's needs."
In the coming weeks, the Scottish Government will establish three joint Government/industry working groups to attract new entrants into the industry, modernise vessel licensing arrangements, and enhance Fish Producer Organisations management arrangements.
The Scottish Government will put on hold some of the quota and licensing proposals, and also lift the current moratorium on permanent transfers of quota out of Scotland with immediate effect.
