Fishing chiefs urged the Scottish and UK governments to work together for the benefit of the fleet following the historic vote on independence.
Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association chief executive Mike Park said: “This has been a divisive period in Scottish politics, but we have a result.
“I hope politicians on both sides can look forward and unite to help fishermen deal with the difficult issues that lie ahead.
“In particular, there is now a good understanding among politicians and officials of the threat to the industry posed by the discard ban.
“We’d like to see both governments taking a robust stance with the European Union and helping us to come up with a workable solution.”
Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive Bertie Armstrong said unity was needed to tackle the many challenges facing fishing – notably the forthcoming discards ban, which had the potential to “devastate our fishing fleets”.
“We have had enough arm-wrestling during the independence debate,” Mr Armstrong said, adding: “Now is the time to work as a united team to get the best deal possible for fishing.”
Shetland Fishermen’s Association chairman Leslie Tait urged the two governments to put their differences aside and work with the industry to help it see off the threat from the discard ban.
Mr Tait added: “We are seeking confirmation that the Scottish Government will use its devolved powers to back our communities in their fight against clumsy and unworkable legislation handed down from Brussels.
“Now that the period of uncertainty about how we will be governed is over, I sincerely hope politicians and officials with responsibility for fisheries policy will focus their minds on helping to build a workable future for the men who go to sea and the communities that depend on fish catching.”
Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said fishing would remain a key priority for Holyrood, adding: “This result does not change our commitment to the industry.
“We will continue to work to get the best deal for Scotland in the run up to the important December EU Council, as well as continuing to work with the industry on the implementation of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy.”