STATEMENT FROM SCOTTISH FISHERMEN’S FEDERATION

Statement from Scottish Fishermen’s Federation. SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said: “There’s no escaping the fact that this unexpected downturn in the cod stock will be damaging for our fleet.
“However, we have proved before and we will prove again that through a series of responsible, practicable measures to be agreed with government fisheries managers we can overcome the challenge, albeit that this time as we understand it climate change is a very significant factor.
“The fishing industry has a long and noble tradition of adapting to the ever-shifting dynamics of the natural world, and while it won’t be easy, we will do what is necessary to help restore the stock.”
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation plays an active role in advancing the interests of Scottish fishermen at national and international levels by lobbying government officials in Edinburgh, London and Brussels. The Federation also plays a key role in helping to inform: fisheries science; the management of the marine environment; inshore fisheries management; marine spatial planning; marine safety regulations and industry recruitment and training programmes.
The Federation umbrella covers eight geographical/sectoral constituent associations representing around 400 vessels from inshore creel boats to pelagic trawlers. The associations are listed here.
Their key aims are:
- Preserve and promote the collective interests of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation constituent associations.
- Ensuring a viable and sustainable future for the fleet in terms of both economics and environmental responsibility.
- Working to improve the perception of the fishing industry, attracting new entrants and ensuring professional standards of training and safety.