Tories cast their net to help fishing industry
AYRSHIRE fishing boats are left tied up in harbours for weeks on end because of tough European rules.
And Tory politicians say they want to do what they can to help.
MEP Struan Stevenson, Ayr MSP John Scott and Westminster candidate Bill Grant met with fishermen at Dunure harbour to discuss their concerns.
They discussed a proposal to radically overhaul the existing management system, which has had a major impact on the industry.
Mr Stevenson said: “The arrival of the Green Paper and the chance for meaningful consultation with the fisheries sector and the general public will hopefully herald a new era of calmer waters.
“The first indication of a new approach have already been seen in Scotland.
“The Commission agreed to reward fishermen with extra days at sea for using specialist gear to help certain depleted species to escape and for volunteering information on immature catches.”
Mr Scott, who is the Scottish Conservatives fisheries spokesman, said: “Our meeting was a good opportunity to hear direct from local fishermen about their concerns for the industry and to give them a chance to put their own questions to us.”
“Top of their list of concerns was the amount of time they are forced as a result of European regulations to leave their boats tied up rather being allowed to fish.
“Boats sitting tied up in harbours for weeks on end cannot generate income for owners, employees or for the communities they operate from.
“ These rules need to be changed to increase the number of days that fishermen here in South Ayrshire and across Scotland can put to sea before even more damage is done to our fishing industry.”
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