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Scottish and UK Fisheries Ministers raise concerns with Commissioner Damanaki.
Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead and UK Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon have held productive discussions with EU Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki.
Through a teleconference this afternoon, the Ministers raised their joint concerns over confusing figures from the European Commission, published on November 24, which indicate additional reductions in fishing time next year for Scottish, English and Northern Irish vessels.
Mr Lochhead said: "We held positive discussions today with the Commissioner, where we agreed to work collaboratively to find a resolution. I welcome that the Commissioner has agreed to repeal the new regulation, given the confusion over the figures, while we will continue dialogue in Brussels on December 5. We are now working flat out to avoid any ill-thought and rushed decisions being taken.
"I made clear that the proposed reductions to days at sea are unjustifiable and of deep concern to our fishermen. These measures would be crippling for our fishing fleets and would fail to recognise Scotland’s conservation measures to promote sustainable fishing - with international recognition and praise for our approach.
"Scotland's measures both allow our fleet to go to sea but to avoid cod. It would be immoral for a dispute over the interpretation of the small print in European regulations to undo all our good work and to bring our industry’s to its knees.
"The Cod Recovery Plan has been roundly criticised by all and sundry and that’s why it is up for review. Scotland has a complex mixed fishery with many species swimming together and it is important for the EU to take that into account.
"Cod accounts for just five per cent of the value of Scottish landings, yet these measures would equally impact the other 95 per cent. Many of our key stocks are set to increase next year, therefore any reduction in days at sea allocated to our fleet in an attempt to stop cod being caught will prevent our fishermen from catching these healthy stocks."
On Monday December 5, Mr Lochhead will meet face-to-face with Commissioner Damanaki in Brussels with the aim of finding an acceptable resolution to this issue.
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