WIREDGOV

Action is needed now on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said today as he pledged to stand up for Scotland's fishermen.

He told industry representatives they were in the 'middle of a storm' caused by economic pressures, European restrictions and a 'broken CFP' but that he was determined to help them navigate through it.

And he said that rather than wait until 2013 to overhaul the CFP, the European Commission should act now on discards to help to help the fishing industry sail towards a 'more sustainable and profitable future'.

Addressing the Scottish Fishermen's Federation's annual dinner in Edinburgh, Mr Lochhead said:

"This has been a tough year for some of our fishermen in many ways and it's no secret that 2010 is likely to be tough too. We are in the eye of a storm and I am determined to stand up for our industry and help it navigate these choppy waters.

"Our fishermen are recognised as international leaders on conservation but the CFP has failed to keep up. Reform of the broken CFP is due in 2013 but that will be too late for many of our fishermen. Action is needed now and I am tonight challenging both the UK Government and the European Commission to make the necessary changes before it's too late.

"That means immediate action to tackle the scandalous waste caused by dumping good fish overboard. It is ironic that we have a Cod Recovery Plan in place yet around 45,000 tonnes of North Sea cod were dumped across Europe over the last two years.

"Making discards history and allowing fishermen to catch for the market will help both the industry and the environment. But fishermen must also get due reward from Brussels in return."

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