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Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Shetland, Tavish Scott, and Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, George Lyon have called for urgent clarification on the announcement by the European Commission, on proposed changes to laws which could cut the number of days that Scottish skippers can put to sea.
The regulation, signed last Wednesday, states: "Certain member states have exceeded their fishing effort allocation for the year 2010. It is therefore appropriate to operate deductions from the fishing effort allocated to them in the year 2011."
Commenting, Mr Scott MSP said: “This threat could be very damaging to the Scottish fishing industry. Governments in Edinburgh and London can leave no stone unturned in their determination and efforts to resolve this situation.
“I hope that the Scottish Government will make a statement to the Scottish Parliament on this most pressing of issues next week.”
Mr Lyon MEP added: “It is extraordinary that the Commission has pressed ahead with this plan when the Scottish fleet has shown nothing but good faith in meeting the targets set by Brussels.
“The UK and Scottish Governments have agreed to work together to dispute the findings of the Commission. This common approach is the best way forward to ensure that these plans do not do further damage to our fishing industry.”
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