Fishing chiefs give warning over Brexit talks

Fishing: Brexit negotiators warned over using access as bargaining chip

Scottish fishing chiefs have warned Brexit negotiators not to concede access to UK fishing grounds as part of any deal.

Industry leaders say the home fleet is facing an “unparalleled opportunity”.

But there are also fears this opportunity could be wasted if access to valuable fishing grounds is used as a bargaining chip.

Yesterday, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) urged politicians in Edinburgh to work handin-hand with Westminster on making sure that whatever Brexit deal is finally struck it is not at the expense of domestic fishing opportunities.

SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said: “By insisting on fairer shares of catching opportunities in these waters, with a more effective fisheries management regime geared to business and environmental sustainability, the Scottish Government could impart powerful momentum to coastal and island communities at no cost to the taxpayer.

“The government might also wish to top up this impetus with grant funding into innovation and areas of strategic interest.

“Unlike many other industries based on the use of natural resources, responsibly-managed fish catching could underpin coastal and island communities indefinitely.

“A reinvigorated catching sector could be expected to generate significant knock-on effects in investment and employment onshore, from marine engineering and electronics to seafood processing and distribution.

“But to achieve this sea of opportunity for our coastal communities would require the Scottish and UK Governments to prevent access to our fishing grounds being conceded as part of the Brexit negotiations.”

He added: “Control over access is the most powerful means we have of ensuring that our own natural resources are allocated fairly and to the best possible use. It's time for Scotland's two governments to work together and deliver for coastal communities.

“If we get it right, it can kick start a secure and sustainable future for our fishermen, their families and the thousands who rely on the bounty of the sea for their livelihoods.

“This is a sea of opportunity that we must not squander." According to the SFF, which set out its Brexit plea in a briefing note to MSPs ahead of today’s Holyrood parliamentary debate on the EU referendum result and its likely impact on Scotland’s rural economy, non-UK vessels net more than half of the fish caught within 200 miles of the UK.

Last week, UK Fishing Minister George Eustice told MPs it was “unfair” that the rest of the European Union currently benefits more from access to UK waters than the other way round.

And in a sign that fishing issues could feature among Brexit talks, he said the industry was “right to recognise the strength” of the UK’s negotiating position.

CHANCE: SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong says it’s time for politicians to work together and deliver for coastal communities