Representing & Supporting Shetland’s Fishermen

UK Government pressed on post-Brexit fisheries arrangements
September 22nd 2017

Lord Duncan meeting fishermen and fishermen’s representatives in Lerwick this morning.
Lord Duncan meeting fishermen and fishermen’s representatives in Lerwick this morning.
Fishermen in Shetland today pressed the UK Government to ensure control is restored over British waters, ending the practice enforced by the Common Fisheries Policy of allowing overseas boats to catch almost two-thirds of our fish.

During a visit by Lord Duncan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Scotland Office, they highlighted the need for a workable fisheries management system that would allow the UK to exploit its own natural resource in a sustainable manner.

Leslie Tait, Chairman of the Shetland Fishermen's Association, said: "We gave a warm Shetland welcome to Lord Duncan, and given his detailed knowledge of the fishing industry, we are in no doubt that he absolutely understands what a great opportunity Brexit presents for significant growth in Shetland's single most important industry.

"Right back to the days when I was regularly at sea, fishermen have felt left behind by a system that allowed overseas boats to fish often very close to our shores at times when we were unable to.

"That can now be rectified, and we hope and expect Ministers in the Brexit negotiations to stand up for our industry, restore control and let us negotiate any access as a fishing nation in the annual Coastal States talks like Norway does."