Orkney MSP Liam McArthur took part in the debate in Holyrood this morning on reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.  Commenting after the debate, Mr McArthur said:

“The top-down approach to managing our fisheries has not worked.  This is now widely recognised, including by the European Commission itself.

“Only by putting in place a more regionalised model can we begin to manage fish stocks in a sustainable manner.  As well as other advantages, this would allow a more sophisticated approach to be taken in tackling the economic and environmental madness of ‘discards’. 

“That is why the Fisheries Secretary and UK Ministers have the support of MSPs across the Parliament in securing meaningful changes through these vital negotiations.

“In the meantime, however, Mr Lochhead needs to accept that there are things he can do now that would improve the situation for our fishermen.  For example, he could address the consistent complaint amongst many in the industry that Ministers and officials are more inclined to inform than consult about how rules should be implemented and enforced”.