Statement from Shetland Fishermen’s Association on UK-EU trade deal
Reacting to the UK/EU trade agreement revealed today, James Anderson – skipper of whitefish vessel Alison Kay (LK 57) and chair of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association – said:
“The fact is that we are sadly not like Iceland, or Norway, or a country that still recognises the value of protecting our own fishing fleet and fishing grounds. Normally, nations negotiate fishing access and quota transfers on an annual basis. Overnight, the EU has been allowed to renege on annual negotiations and instead enjoy a 12 year deal – with UK fishing crews forced to give up their grounds and fish stocks again in exchange for what?
“This, unfortunately, is how our industry – which has so much more to offer – has been treated by successive governments. Fishing communities such as Shetland will remain hopeful that, one day, the UK will find its feet as an independent coastal state and finally conduct ourselves as such – denying EU vessels access to our productive seas without first paying for the privilege.”
Daniel Lawson, Executive Officer for Shetland Fishermen’s Association, added:
“For the EU, this deal has been like taking fishing rights from a baby. The Prime Minister knew full well the fishing industry’s hopes, and the potential opportunities at hand. He has not listened, those opportunities are wasted, and now hard-working fishermen pay the price for this submission. Every benefit the UK Government lists is also a benefit to the EU: which is not the mark of a triumphant negotiation. If the UK Government can’t see the value of our waters, they should consider why the EU has pushed so hard to secure fishing access for so long.”
Recent Comments