Tuesday, 16th August 2011
Scotland should lead new fish farm advisory body
A new Aquaculture Advisory Council proposed by the European Commission under its Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reforms should be led by Scotland, according to a Euro MP.
Struan Stevenson, Scottish Conservative MEP for Scotland and Senior Vice President of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee said Scotland must prepare a blueprint for the new body or risk losing out to other leading nations.
Speaking today, Mr Stevenson commented:
“The CFP reform package published by the Commission calls for the creation of an Advisory Council for Aquaculture. Scotland, Greece, Ireland and Italy are among the leading nations in Europe where fish farming is a key interest. This new body, funded by Brussels, will involve fish farmers, scientists and other stakeholders from across the EU. Scotland must take the lead by preparing a blueprint for this new body, basing its headquarters in Scotland.
“We have one of the biggest fish farming sectors in Europe, employing over 6000 people and exporting quality products, particularly salmon and trout, worldwide. We also boast some leading academics and global experts in fish farming, such as the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling.
“There will be a race to set up this new Aquaculture Advisory Council by many EU Member States who have a keen interest in the sector. Scotland must take the lead and win that race. It will be of key importance to the future of the industry and will give Scottish fish farmers a global perspective and enhanced prestige.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. Struan Stevenson is a Conservative Euro MP for Scotland and Senior Vice President of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee.
2. The CFP Reform will be implemented by January 1st, 2013. The Regulation, which is about to be debated by the Fisheries Committee in the European parliament, states that an Advisory Council for Aquaculture will be set up. Its function will be to ‘submit recommendations and suggestions on matters relating to aquaculture to the Commission and to the Member State concerned.’ It will also be asked to ‘inform the Commission and the Member States of problems relating to aquaculture’. The Aquaculture Advisory Council will be funded by the EU.
3. For further information, please contact Peter Smyth on peter@indigopr.com, 0131 554 1146 or 07766 166 637.
