The Scottish fishing industry is seeking answers from the Scottish and UK fisheries ministers on exactly what it will mean for fishermen in Scotland if the country votes ‘yes’ to independence.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has written to Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, and UK Fisheries Minister, George Eustice, outlining key questions that must be answered from both sides of the independence referendum debate on the implications for fishing should there be constitutional change, so that individual fishermen can make their own minds up regarding which way to vote.
The SFF has identified three core areas where more clarity and proper risk/benefits analyses are required: the ‘European Journey’; the management of fishing in an independent Scotland; and the new business environment.
- On Europe, one of the key questions the SFF asks is: What will the balance of benefit be between membership as a component of a large Member State (UK, sized with Germany, France and Italy) and a smaller one (Scotland, sized with Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Croatia)?
- On fisheries management in an independent Scotland, the SFF says a risk/benefit analysis must be undertaken on a range of issues, including providing clarification over the level of certainty that Scottish vessels will maintain their individual quota holdings post separation.
- On the new business environment in an independent Scotland, the SFF says there is also the requirement for a risk/benefit analysis on tax and spend arrangements and support for more remote communities dependent upon fishing.
The letter concludes: “The above questions and others will become very real on the 19 September in the event of a Yes vote. Ministers who deal with fishing and associated activities in both the UK and Scottish Governments are requested to address them in time for individuals to make informed assessments before referendum day.”
