A new joint fisheries management action plan was the subject of the latest Scottish Fisheries Council (SFC) meeting involving fishing industry leaders and the Scottish Government.
The key themes of the strategy were discussed in detail with a view to finalising the plan at the next SFC in April.
It was also agreed that the next Retailers' Forum in early March - which will be attended by representatives of all the major supermarkets and chaired by Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead - will discuss how Scottish seafood can be more effectively promoted with leading retailers.
The four pillar fisheries management plan aims to provide some breathing space for fleets recovering from the impact of the recession and facing more tough European restrictions and includes measures to:
- Improve the wider international framework for fisheries management
- Manage fishing quota and effort allocations in a way that promotes sustainability and profitability
- Work with the industry to help maximise the value of the catch
- Ensure we have a resilient fleet crewed by a skilled workforce
After chairing the meeting at Murrayfield Stadium, Mr Lochhead said:
"Today's meeting was an important and productive step in developing a national plan for the future of our valuable fishing industry. Alongside other stakeholders such as WWF who also attended today, they are playing a crucial role in shaping the new measures that will help safeguard livelihoods, our stocks and fishing communities. A long drawn out consultation will not do anyone any favours. I want the plan completed and implemented as soon as possible.”
