Fishing chiefs have come under fire over their warning that a Yes vote in the independence referendum could leave the country with a weaker voice in Europe.
Aberdeenshire councillor John Cox told the Press and Journal yesterday the industry needed an independent government to protect it from poor policy-making in Brussels.
The Banff and Buchan area committee chairman insisted fishing-dependent communities around Scotland would be better served if the nation fought its own corner in vital quota talks.
Mr Cox, SNP councillor for Banff and District, said: “Some of us have memories of the SFF (Scottish Fishermen’s Federation) and its representatives being involved in a flotilla going down the Thames in London in protest over policies coming from Europe.
“They should be putting forward management proposals rather than the fear factor.” He was speaking the day after the Press and Journal revealed the SFF had carried out a risk assessment of independence, with chief executive Bertie Armstrong raising concerns about Scotland’s clout in Europe.
The industry body, which represents more than 500 vessels, from inshore creel boats to pelagic trawlers, has stressed it is apolitical and cannot advise members which way to vote.
Mr Cox said: “Their position would appear to be in favour of the status quo, which is not an option for the industry either offshore or onshore.”
The SFF’s views on independence were a “distraction” for a sector currently facing the challenge of a discard ban, he said, adding that strong negotiating skills would be more important than ever in Brussels.
An abundance of key fishing stocks could lead to an “ecological disaster” unless someone spoke up for Scottish skippers at the heart of decision-making, he added.
Urging the SFF to ask the No camp in the independence debate about its plans to protect the fleet, Mr Cox said: “Better Together has not come out and said yet what its policies are to ensure we continue to have a fishing industry.”
Mr Cox said the current arrangements left the sector with a “lack of quota, a lack of science and absolutely no fisheries management”, and forced many potential young fishers into other careers.
Billy Gatt, skipper of the Banff-registered Audacious, said: “I am for independence and believe our negotiating stance could be stronger.
“I also have no doubt that Scotland would find itself with more friends in negotiations than the UK could ever have.”