Allan expresses anger at EC fisheries talk outcome

Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan has expressed his anger at the outcome of EC fisheries talks which have left catch composition rules in place, and unchanged, for whitefish vessels operating on the West Coast of Scotland.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Some sense was applied during the discussions when concerns over proposed new conservation rules were listened to; and their implementation delayed so that these concerns can be addressed.

“However, reason appears to have been abandoned with regard to catch composition rules, and West Coast fishermen now face up to 18 more months of the current rules – months where a genuinely workable system could have been put in place.

“I have previously committed to working with Fishermen’s Associations in their efforts to overcome difficulties created by a failed Common Fisheries Policy, and I make that commitment again. I will be seeking meetings with Fishermen’s Associations and with Richard Lochhead to determine what remaining options the Scottish Government has to protect the fishing industry from the intransigence demonstrated by the European Commission on this issue.”