MCA roadshow opens to all tomorrow
Shetland Times
The Shetland Fishermen's Association will host the roadshow at their offices in Lerwick.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) roadshow will visit the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) tomorrow (Wednesday) evening to answer questions people may have about their work.
Members of the public have been invited to attend the SFA office to find out more about the work the MCA do and how that affects commercial fishermen.
The commercial fishing roadshow will cover topics such as technical requirements, medicals, survey, inspections, living and working conditions.
The roadshow will take place in the boardroom of the SFA, Lerwick at 5pm.
Bob Marsh
Perhaps someone will ask the MCA Scotland just what they are doing about improving environment regulations contained in MARPOL more fit for purpose regarding large cruise liners and day trippers visiting Scottish ports, particularly those close to areas of SSI and/or fish farms, a pollutant in themselves. This particularly relates to engine exhaust gas discharge, and black, grey, and ballast water effluent.
Will Scotland be proactive, move on positive action, or reactive, later, recognising and following what is already happening in other parts of the world, such as Norway, Alaska, Antartica, and ports such as Barcelona, Venice, Amsterdam and Key West. Will they move to restrict said vessels numbers and access to certain ports or areas of SSI in view of increasing size of and volumes appearing on the horizon, as owners strive to find declining locations in the world prepared to accept them. Will they at least require Scottish ports soliciting said vessels to insist on use of and provide adequate electric shore power and fluid disposal facilities. Will they check vessel logs as to just where effluent discharges are taking place and volumes of same in Scottish waters from these effectively moving, floating townships.