Post by SHARK on Apr 21, 2009 21:52:12 GMT 1
Gulf widens as Shaw "regrets" Scottish action
UK FISHERIES Minister Jonathan Shaw said today he "regretted" that the Scottish administration no longer feels able to work within the collaborative framework of the long standing agreement drawn up jointly between Defra and the UK
The Minister was commenting on the announcement yesterday of the Scottish Government's consultation on changes that it wishes to introduce to the way in which licensing and quota management arrangements operate within the UK, in effect, said Mr Shaw, to set up a separate Scottish management system.
The Westminster Minister went on: "I regret the fact that the Scottish administration no longer feels able to work within the collaborative framework of the long-standing agreement drawn up jointly between Defra and the Scottish Executive, whereby fisheries management arrangements have been managed on a UK basis.
"I do not believe this helps the industry or is in the interests of anyone who cares about its future.
"We have not had time to study the detail of the Scottish proposals, but clearly there are implications for all UK fishermen, not just those in Scotland.
"As UK fisheries minister, I have given an undertaking to consult all UK stakeholders on the principle of having separate systems operating within the UK, and I will do so as soon as I have had chance to consider the implications of the Scottish proposals in more detail.
"My priorities are to ensure that no individual or group of fishermen is disadvantaged, and to retain the existing flexibility in the exchange of licences, vessels and FQAs between fishermen throughout the UK.
"In connection with this consultation, the Scottish Executive has introduced a moratorium on the transfer of licences and FQAs until further notice.
"I have already said that I will not be introducing a similar moratorium in England. Such action creates additional risk and uncertainty for fishermen already under pressure for example from high fuel prices, and stops then going about their legitimate business.
"I also question whether it would stand up to legal scrutiny."
Meanwhile, George MacRae, the secretary of the Scottish White Fish Producers' Association said today that there were already worries that the Scottish policy could have a negative impact on the commercial value of licences and quota.
"Our position is that we are now going to consult with our members on the terms of the Scotttish consultation document. We will have extensive internal consultation and will prepare a formal response to the consultation."
Mr MacRae has already heavily criticised the quota trade moratorium imposed by the Holyrood Government last Friday.
But later, John Hermse, the secretary of Mallaig and North-west Fishermen's Association told FISHupdate.com:
"I believe the review is long overdue and forward looking for an active Scottish industry. Active industry has nothing to fear from this which will deliver benefits to Scottish fishermen and the communities they support.
"With regard to the moratorium, I think the effects are being blown up out of all proportion. In my discussions with officials from the Scottish Marine Directorate, it seems to me that this is an entirely sensible, responsible and proportionate course of action. The Moratorium affects only permanent transfers of which last year I believe there were around 20, which equates to between 0.2 and 0.3 % of all FQAs.
"This will have no effect on in year arrangements or transfers within Scotland. Indeed it is a temporary measure and the Marine Directorate assure me they are bound and committed to looking at individual cases on an exceptional case by case basis. Normal business activity is largely unaffected by any of this."
UK FISHERIES Minister Jonathan Shaw said today he "regretted" that the Scottish administration no longer feels able to work within the collaborative framework of the long standing agreement drawn up jointly between Defra and the UK
The Minister was commenting on the announcement yesterday of the Scottish Government's consultation on changes that it wishes to introduce to the way in which licensing and quota management arrangements operate within the UK, in effect, said Mr Shaw, to set up a separate Scottish management system.
The Westminster Minister went on: "I regret the fact that the Scottish administration no longer feels able to work within the collaborative framework of the long-standing agreement drawn up jointly between Defra and the Scottish Executive, whereby fisheries management arrangements have been managed on a UK basis.
"I do not believe this helps the industry or is in the interests of anyone who cares about its future.
"We have not had time to study the detail of the Scottish proposals, but clearly there are implications for all UK fishermen, not just those in Scotland.
"As UK fisheries minister, I have given an undertaking to consult all UK stakeholders on the principle of having separate systems operating within the UK, and I will do so as soon as I have had chance to consider the implications of the Scottish proposals in more detail.
"My priorities are to ensure that no individual or group of fishermen is disadvantaged, and to retain the existing flexibility in the exchange of licences, vessels and FQAs between fishermen throughout the UK.
"In connection with this consultation, the Scottish Executive has introduced a moratorium on the transfer of licences and FQAs until further notice.
"I have already said that I will not be introducing a similar moratorium in England. Such action creates additional risk and uncertainty for fishermen already under pressure for example from high fuel prices, and stops then going about their legitimate business.
"I also question whether it would stand up to legal scrutiny."
Meanwhile, George MacRae, the secretary of the Scottish White Fish Producers' Association said today that there were already worries that the Scottish policy could have a negative impact on the commercial value of licences and quota.
"Our position is that we are now going to consult with our members on the terms of the Scotttish consultation document. We will have extensive internal consultation and will prepare a formal response to the consultation."
Mr MacRae has already heavily criticised the quota trade moratorium imposed by the Holyrood Government last Friday.
But later, John Hermse, the secretary of Mallaig and North-west Fishermen's Association told FISHupdate.com:
"I believe the review is long overdue and forward looking for an active Scottish industry. Active industry has nothing to fear from this which will deliver benefits to Scottish fishermen and the communities they support.
"With regard to the moratorium, I think the effects are being blown up out of all proportion. In my discussions with officials from the Scottish Marine Directorate, it seems to me that this is an entirely sensible, responsible and proportionate course of action. The Moratorium affects only permanent transfers of which last year I believe there were around 20, which equates to between 0.2 and 0.3 % of all FQAs.
"This will have no effect on in year arrangements or transfers within Scotland. Indeed it is a temporary measure and the Marine Directorate assure me they are bound and committed to looking at individual cases on an exceptional case by case basis. Normal business activity is largely unaffected by any of this."