Hard-pressed fishing communities face more hardship if a looming ban on discards at sea is badly managed, industry chiefs warned last night.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said skippers were still largely in the dark about the details of how the ban would work.
With some limited exceptions, discards – fish dumped at sea because it is unmarketable or cannot be landed under the current catch rules – are to be phased out progressively between 2015 and 2019.
Speaking at the SFF’s annual dinner, federation president Alan Coghill said: “Discards are supported by nobody, least of all the industry.
“But at the moment there is absolutely no meat on the bones on how the discards ban will be implemented. Scientists have already begun to question the validity and practicality of the exemptions and the flexibility measures suggested.
“Efforts were made at an early stage to seek a practical solution to achieve a much-decreased level of discards but driven by the extreme environmental lobby . . . the (European) Commission and EU parliament have chosen the ultimate route. It may well prove unworkable for some fleets, however hard they try to comply. From a Scottish perspective it is likely to result in a much-reduced fleet size, with resultant social and economic consequences for already beleaguered fishing communities.”
He also warned there was a gap to be bridged between political decision-making and the practical implementation of catch rules. He said: “We are constantly dismayed at decisions taken in Europe, often strongly supported by our administration (the Scottish Government). The industry is looking for a stable future, with sustainable and recovered stocks.
“We supply a healthy and appetising range of food products but need help in protecting and promoting this resource in the face of global competition,” added Mr Coghill.
Last night’s event, in Edinburgh, was attended by Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead and other leading industry figures.