The Western Isles and other coastal communities dependent on fishing will greatly benefit from leaving the European Union, say island fishermen.
The Western Isles Fishermen’s Association (WIFA) stress the Brexit vote will “undoubtedly bring significant economic opportunities.”
At their annual meeting, Western Isles boat skippers and fishermen welcomed the opportunity for the UK to control seas out to 200 miles off the coast coupled with “enhanced catching opportunities” for the inshore fleet inside the 12 mile limit.
WIFA secretary, Duncan MacInnes, said: “Withdrawal from the EU offers the local fishing industry a unique opportunity to develop a sustainable long term
industry rather than the continuous reams of regulations coming from Brussels which create additional unnecessary barriers to the working practices of genuine fishermen.”
The body says since joining the EU the Western Isles fleet has declined by 25% in both number of vessels and fishermen employed in the industry, with a similar situation reported in most other coastal communities around Scotland.
Island fishermen urge the UK Government to guarantee the same levels of funding as the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund would have provided the industry until 2020.
They want all politicians to unite in meaningful negotiations to ensure seafood has unrestricted access to European markets.
In addition, fisherman say all EU citizens currently employed in all sectors of the fishing industry to be allowed to remain following UK withdrawal from the EU.
Island fisherman welcome Brexit
5 September 2016