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Andra Tait is presented with a gift from association chief executive Derek Duthie. They are flanked by Alex Wiseman (L) and Davie Hutchison |
ONE of Scotland’s best-known fishing industry figures has stepped down from the chair of The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association, which represents herring and mackerel catchers from North-east Scotland and Shetland.
Andra Tait has been succeeded by Alex Wiseman, from Banff,who has been involved in pelagic fisheries since starting sea in 1967 and is skipper and part-owner of the trawler Kings Cross.
Mr Wiseman has been a director of the Association since 1987, becoming vice-chairman in 2004.
Mr Tait has retired as chairman after a decade of service, first as vice-chairman and then chairman since 2001.The new vice-chairman is Shetland skipper, Davie Hutchison.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Wiseman said:
“I am honoured to take over from Andra. We have worked closely during the last four years and I know Andra worked tirelessly to protect the fishing entitlement of Scottish pelagic fishermen.
“Our sector has faced a number of challenges in recent years and as an Association we are well aware of the need to maximise the available fishing opportunities for our fleet. We will continue to make that our number one priority and will engage at all levels of fishing politics to get our message across.
“It is now recognised that fishermen have a valuable contribution to make in all aspects of fisheries management. Scottish pelagic fishermen are taking the lead throughout Europe in good fisheries practice to ensure that we protect our future by fishing sustainably. Our major fisheries are currently undergoing Marine Stewardship Council assessment and the entire fleet has signed up to the Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme.”
Mr Hutchison added:“I am delighted to take over the role of vice-chairman of the Association. It is important for our fleet to have a strong voice in Europe as we remain a key stakeholder in all of the main North Atlantic pelagic fisheries and I am looking forward to playing my part.” Mr Hutchison is skipper and part-owner of Whalsay based mid-water trawler, Charisma. He has been a director of the Association since 1984 and is the Association’s first Shetland-based office bearer.
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