BBC2 Radio News today

[The Image ™]

BBC2 Radio News today

BBC2 Radio News today stated that EU fishery ministers have decided to rethink
their strategies. Some I.C.E.S. scientists are calling for an all out ban on
ALL commercial fishing in the North Sea and Irish sea.

[billmoran]

Cautious reaction to fishing deal


Fishing industry leaders have admitted that a European deal struck on fishing quotas was as good as they were likely to get.

The agreement, struck in Brussels, will result in a 15% cut in cod fishing in the North Sea, Irish Sea, and off the west coast of Scotland.

But in a concession to the industry in Scotland, the potential loss of another nine days fishing a year is being capped at five days.

Scottish fisheries minister Ross Finnie hailed it as a "successful package" for the country's fishing industry. But he came under fire from the Scottish National Party (SNP), which accused him of failing to stop Brussels imposing "more damaging cuts on Scotland".

Mike Park, chairman of the Scottish White Fish Producers' Association, told BBC Radio Scotland: "In political terms, it's about as good (a deal) as could have been achieved.

"In reality, it does mean a reduction in the income of some sections of the fleet. But it's a balanced package and I think there are opportunities at the start of next year where we can maybe recover some of the ground as well."

He said trading conditions for the industry were "harsh", and included high fuel prices.

Mr Park said the Scottish fishing industry has reduced its cod fishing effort by 65% since 2002.

"Other member states had not, and I think the basic argument was: make everybody else the same as us, and then when you do, we'll move on.

"It is now more equitable than ever before, and we feel as an industry that we've turned the corner."

Aol 22/12/05

[The Image ™]

Fishing industry leaders have admitted that a European deal struck on
fishing quotas was as good as they were likely to get.
The agreement, struck in Brussels, will result in a 15% cut in cod fishing
in the North Sea, Irish Sea, and off the west coast of Scotland.
But in a concession to the industry in Scotland, the potential loss of
another nine days fishing a year is being capped at five days.
Scottish fisheries minister Ross Finnie hailed it as a "successful package"
for the country's fishing industry. But he came under fire from the Scottish
National Party (SNP), which accused him of failing to stop Brussels imposing
"more damaging cuts on Scotland".
Mike Park, chairman of the Scottish White Fish Producers' Association, told
BBC Radio Scotland: "In political terms, it's about as good (a deal) as could
have been achieved.
"In reality, it does mean a reduction in the income of some sections of the
fleet. But it's a balanced package and I think there are opportunities at the
start of next year where we can maybe recover some of the ground as well."
He said trading conditions for the industry were "harsh", and included high
fuel prices.
Mr Park said the Scottish fishing industry has reduced its cod fishing
effort by 65% since 2002.
"Other member states had not, and I think the basic argument was: make
everybody else the same as us, and then when you do, we'll move on.
"It is now more equitable than ever before, and we feel as an industry that
we've turned the corner."