This week, Scotland is in the grip of election fever, with government elections taking place on Thursday. Now an election in part of the British Isles may seem insignificant in global terms, but for the seafood sector it could have important consequences, depending on the winning party’s attitude to supporting fisheries and aquaculture.
Scotland lands more than two-thirds of the UK fish catch and accounts for 100 percent of the UK salmon farming industry. Together, these two sectors are directly worth more than GBP 1,000 million to the economy each year, and far more than this when ancillary industries are taken into account. They are also vital in keeping coastal communities alive, and leaders of the two major organizations representing salmon and fisheries, are keen that this aspect is given more prominence in future policy making.
They have both been quick to appraise party manifestos, and to draw up their own “wish lists” for the new government. They are also hoping that it will be as supportive of industry as the previous administration. This helped the Scottish fishing industry to become a leader in Europe in innovative practices to reduce discarding in the North Sea, and the salmon-farming industry to improve its sustainable and environmental footprint.
Bertie Armstrong, CEO of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), says he was disappointed at the lack of space given to his sector in all party manifestos. “I thought that a heritage industry providing a renewable source of food warranted greater consideration and certainly greater vision, and I hope that this oversight will be addressed once a new government is in place,” he said.
“We will request a meeting with the new fisheries minister as a matter of urgency to stress the main points of action that must be addressed, and to impress upon him the need to be proactive in overseeing the profound changes that will be brought about by the reform of the CFP (European Common Fisheries Policy). There are also challenges with discarding, the review of the Cod Recovery Plan, and the ongoing dispute with Iceland and the Faeroes over mackerel quotas, and all these must be met head on.”
Other key elements of the SFF manifesto include a need for meaningful regional control under the new CFP in place of the existing centralized system currently, and a focus on sustainable catching opportunity and improved stock status.
It also calls for a greater focus on fisheries science, for responsible marine spatial planning, and for a renewed team approach between industry and government based on trust and cooperation.
Last but not least, it asks for greater effort to be given to improving the perception of the Scottish fishing industry. “Until recently, much of the public’s perception has been based on hostile media coverage that is in general, superficial or applicable to fisheries other than our own. Some inroads have been made, but much more needs to be done to present a realistic picture of a sustainable, responsible industry comprising many different sectors, working hard to solve its problems,” said Armstrong. “And while it is essential to pay attention to fisheries management, regulations and to our stewardship responsibilities for the environment, we must not lose sight of the fact that we are harvesting food,” he added.
Scott Landsburgh, CEO of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organization, explained that his industry is committed to a progressive and sustainable increase in production over the next decade and will be seeking political recognition for this. “With a growing global population and an ever-increasing demand for healthy and sustainable proteins, we want the incoming Scottish government to continue its strategic commitment to aquaculture, through national programs of investment in scientific research and education,” he said.
“As salmon is Scotland’s leading food export, we would also like to see a continued commitment to the development of Scottish food exports. We believe our aspirations for sustainable economic development are aligned with national and EU policy priorities for increasing fish and shellfish supply.”
