‘No evidence’

THE Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has said there is “no evidence” reinstating the three- mile limit around Scotland’s coastline “would improve sustainability or raise earnings”.

“The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has been working collaboratively with Marine Scotland in the designation and management of marine protected areas and if areas or features in inshore areas are found to need extra protection, there are wellestablished systems in place for their inclusion in the existing management frameworks, based on objective scientific evidence,” said Elspeth Macdonald, SFF chief executive.

“The federation therefore believes there is no basis in the evidence for the sustainability claims.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We take our responsibility to balance the competing pressures on the marine environment seriously and the Scottish Government’s management of its fisheries is well respected internationally.

“Scotland’s seas and waters have a key role to play in contributing to the nation’s future economic prosperity, especially in remote, rural and island communities and we have always sought to deliver the best outcome for our fishing interests through securing sustainable catching opportunities. It is important to work within environmental limits, making sure fish stocks are managed sustainably and, in turn, providing a resource for future generations and safeguarding the diversity of the marine ecosystem.

“Negotiations for setting catch limits and quotas take full account of