Celebrating Scotland’s inshore fisheries 31/1/13
Marine Scotland to host first Inshore Fisheries conference in Inverness next week.
Inshore fishermen operate around the entire Scottish coast and support fragile local communities, fishing methods are fuel efficient and discards are the lowest in the industry.
This conference will recognise the complex nature of the sector and looks to examine issues and challenges, exploring options to improve the sector, whilst also highlighting the important positive aspects it holds for Scotland’s fishing industry.
In January 2012, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead MSP, announced a new Inshore Fisheries strategy focused on improving fisheries management and Marine Scotland’s engagement with inshore stakeholders.
The strategy also set out his intention to host a Scottish Inshore Fisheries Conference that would bring industry together to discuss ways forward, as well as providing an opportunity to celebrate the efforts Scottish fishermen make to operate in responsible and sustainable manner, to provide some of the best seafood in the world.
Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Inshore fishing is vitally important to the Scottish economy, contributing around £77 million in landings and supporting many remote communities, indeed it is by far our largest fishing fleet. Smaller classes of vessels operating sustainably around our beautiful coastline, providing the highest possible seafood product for eager customers both at home and abroad.
Graham Young, head of Seafood Scotland said: "We are looking forward to the event,
particularly the session on market development and opportunities for growth. We aim
to see how we can link the aims and objectives into our existing projects on local,
national and international supply. "