Urgent call for evidence to strike deal for ‘viable and prosperous’ fishing community
Fishing communities are being urged to share their views as part of plans secure a deal with the EU and support the sector’s future success.
Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael made the appeal as chairman of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on fisheries.
The group has launched a call for evidence from the fishing industry and related stakeholders on their priorities for future fishing arrangements with the EU.
It is hoped the evidence will help steer parliamentary debate as the government negotiates the review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, ahead of the “adjustment period” on fisheries ending in 2026.
Mr Carmichael said the fishing industry was “part of the fabric” of our coasts and islands.
“The future of this industry depends on a future fisheries deal with the EU that can support a viable and prosperous fishing community for years and indeed decades to come,” he added.
“This must be a priority for the government.
“We know that it is for our European counterparts, and we know that our counterparts are clear on their industry’s priorities.
“It is in our hands to drive the agenda and push the government to take our needs seriously.
“That is why the APPG on fisheries is seeking views of the industry and the wider community on future fishing arrangements.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest to take part so that we get a wide range of evidence and opinion – that is how we make the strongest possible case in parliament going forward.”
The call for evidence will remain open until Friday, 9th May.
Submissions can be made to secretariat@fisheriesappg.org.
cecil robertson
A fish factorry/canning/processing plant was seriously proposed for Whalsay by its residents/fishermen some years ago in conjuntion with a tunnel from Whalsay to Mainland and Norwegian tunnel/fishing interests . Unfortunately the SIC in its wisdom did not lend its support (therin lies a story). Such a development would have attended to many of the items which fishing interests and the wider Shetland public seek to address, and can add to the comments to be made to current surveys and economic requirements and discussions with the EC.
Bob Marsh
For Shetland waters unless useful reciprocal arrangements can be agreed with offshore nations that have something worthwhile to trade, all fish related business should be brought back to Lerwick control with involvement of the community in the equity of viable businesses. Profits from such should go into the many failing community projects that Edinburgh is currently a disastrous component of, not outwith Shetland.
This from health, to energy costs, communication, transport, ferries, even tunnels. Preferably should be via an SIC business development section, it’s been done before but sadly that body merely appears to have had an administrative overview function for years. Whatever comes up mainly in the hands of and developed by foreigners as the waters and the land now becomes blighted in the process for locals use.