Scott urges Minister to tackle threatened fishing cuts

5.16.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Sep 2009

Speaking after meeting Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead in Edinburgh this afternoon, Shetland MSP, Tavish Scott, said, "The Minister is approaching the most difficult part of the Fishing year with the December Fisheries Council in Brussels.

"I urged him to recognise the challenges that the Shetland fleet faces. I want him to meet the industry to discuss ways to tackle the European Commission proposals to cut fishing opportunities for all boats by a further 10% in 2010.Tavish Scott MSP: Shetland

"Some of the Scottish Government's restrictions have been hitting the financial viability of our boats and it is vital that the Minister avoids making a difficult situation worse. I specifically raised with him the need for better quotas on North Sea megrim, whiting and saithe which are important for our boats.

"I will keep working with the local industry to ensure that Shetland's case is at the fore as the annual negotiation takes place. It’s a ridiculous system but until it changes we have to work at getting the best deal for Shetland"