Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has reshuffled her cabinet, naming Fergus Ewing to the post of Secretary of the Rural Economy and Connectivity, which plays an oversight role in Scotland’s fishing rules and industry. Ewing previously served as energy minister since 2011.
As part of the changes, Roseanna Cunningham has been named Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, will also have a say in future decisions surrounding Scotland’s fisheries.
"The cabinet I have announced today will ensure our priorities of education and the economy are given fresh impetus; our public services are reformed and improved and we are able to respond to challenges such as climate change in the years to come,” Sturgeon said in an official statement.
Bertie Armstrong, the chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said his organization looked forward to working with Ewing on important issues facing the country’s fisheries.
“We welcome the appointment of the new Minister and are pleased that this new cabinet position is focused on Scotland’s rural economy, of which fishing plays such an important part,” Armstrong said. “There will be many pressing issues facing the minister, not least the phased introduction of the discard ban where it is essential that practicable and flexible management measures are put in place to prevent any negative impacts on the Scottish fleet. We would also like to see evidence-based decision-making at the heart of future fisheries management, for example in the designation and management of Marine Protected Areas.
Armstrong stressed the importance of industry having a voice in future government decisions.
“Scottish fishing has a great future – all we need is the right regulatory framework to ensure we meet its full potential,” Armstrong said. “Indeed, in the past the most effective management decisions have always come when government and industry work together.”
