The review, designed to ensure a policy which will ensure that Scotland's fishing rights remain with fishermen in Scotland and that they are held by fishermen who actually fish will also end the prospect of privatised fishing quotas in Scotland.

Speaking from Strasbourg where he has been marking EU Maritime Day, Mr Hudghton said: "Richard Lochhead is taking welcome steps to protect our fishing rights for future generations, to stop privatisation of fishing rights and to bring new blood into the fishing industry.

"Scotland's fishing communities are a vital part of our economy and today's review offers practical measures to ensure the long term sustainability of our fishing communities and fishing industry.

"Fishing quota is precious is Scotland and the prospect of privatised quotas was causing real concern in our fishing communities. Similarly many active fishermen find it deeply disappointing that some quota is allocated to people who do not actively fish.

"The SNP is delivering on our promise to support Scotland's fishing industry. The Scottish Government has shown it's commitment to the

industry, delivering innovative solutions and securing the best deal in a decade from the annual fisheries negotiations."

He concluded: "The proposals are another sign of our commitment to Scotland's fishermen. This review will be good news for the industry and for the communities that rely on fishing for jobs and income."

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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