North East fishing opportunities will be boosted by direct port investment and a marketing strategy harnessing the “power of the United Kingdom”, a local MP heard today.
For the first time since 1973, the new Fisheries Bill will enable the UK to control who can fish in its waters and on what terms.
Leaving the Common Fisheries Policy will create new powers which will include setting quotas, controlling access, and protecting the marine environment.
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid called on the Secretary of State for the department of the environment, farming and rural affairs to detail the level of support that will be offered to Scotland’s fishermen when that happens.
Michael Gove confirmed to the Scottish Conservative MP that the government’s “vision” of future fisheries policy remains as it was in the white paper, Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations.
He added that both Scotland’s governments will work together to help ports like Fraserburgh and Peterhead develop.
There will also be a marketing campaign to promote British fish to the domestic and international market.
Mr Duguid said:
“Can my right honourable Friend confirm his commitment to boosting investment in the fisheries sector to help with expansion, outside the Common Fisheries Policy, but also to promote export opportunities and the UK domestic market for Scottish seafood, after Brexit?”
Mr Gove said:
“The UK Government will work with the Scottish Government to make sure that we have investment in port facilities, in Peterhead and Fraserburgh, also that we have the marketing budget necessary to ensure that the power of our United Kingdom is harnessed to help Scots fishermen and indeed Scottish fish processors.”
The UK Government last year announced a £12 million package for technological development and safety measures as the UK leaves the Common Fisheries Policy.
This government’s vision for Scotland’s fishing industry, and its heartland in my constituency, is obvious.
New marketing and investment will all become possible because of the sea of opportunity offered by leaving the CFP.
That is in stark contrast to the wishes of the SNP, who want to drag Scotland right back into it.
