Date: 27 May 2009 BROCKLEBANK HOPES PROPOSED OVERHAUL OF THE COMMON FISHERIES POLICY WILL HELP STRUGGLING NORTH EAST FIFE FLEET Commenting on the announcement by the European Commission that it plans a massive overhaul of the Common Fisheries Policy, Ted Brocklebank, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said;
“This news is particularly important for Pittenweem, one of the last remaining fishing strongholds south of Aberdeen. Our local North East Fife fleet have shown great resilience in surviving the challenges of the Common Fisheries Policy and I hope that a ‘root and branch’ overhaul of the quota system will provide local fishermen with the help they require and deserve, especially those in the non-sector and under 10 metre classes which have particularly suffered from landing restrictions.
“Scottish Conservatives have been calling for radical change to the Common Fisheries Policy for many years. We must be grateful that at long last the European Commission has heeded the call for a complete overhaul of the system. The current system has caused massive damage to the industry and left fishermen struggling for their livelihoods, whilst being ineffective in its primary purpose of preserving fish stocks. The policies of restricted catching and restricted time at sea have not worked and a new fisheries management system must ensure that these mistakes are rectified to provide a viable future for the industry.”
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