SFF EXPRESSES HOPE FOR SENSIBLE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING GOVERNMENTAL CHANGES

SFF expresses hope for sensible fisheries management following governmental changes
With the Bute House agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens having now been terminated and a new First Minister for Scotland soon to be appointed, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) says it is hopeful that a more sensible and evidential approach to fisheries management will be adopted.
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the SFF, told Fish Focus that the Federation had serious concerns about the Bute House Agreement as soon as it was published in 2021, and these concerns proved well-founded.
She said: “We hope that the change in leadership of the SNP and the end of their power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens can bring about a return to sensible, rational and evidence-based policy making that recognises the need to deliver all three pillars of sustainability in our fisheries – environmental, social and economic.
“Our low-carbon sector is part of the solution to climate change and food security for the long term, and we call on the incoming leadership team to support and champion what our industry delivers for jobs and communities, whilst working collaboratively with us in protecting the marine environment, and to ensure that food security is as important as energy security.”
One consequence of the power-sharing Bute House agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens was the controversial Highly Protected Marine Protected Area (HPMA) proposal, which caused an outcry in fragile coastal communities. However, an effective campaign of opposition, in which the SFF played a leading role, led to the HPMA proposal eventually being shelved.