Tim Eagle MSP has launched his Fishing 100 campaign seeking to support the industry by obtaining a series of responses from the Scottish Government aimed at influencing policy within the sector.
The Scottish Conservative shadow secretary for rural affairs and fishing has lodged 100 written questions to the Scottish Government on a variety of issues, including apprenticeships, spatial squeeze, marine protected areas and updates to funding programmes for the industry.
Mr Eagle, who lives in Buckie, Moray, and is an MSP for the Highlands and Islands, was appointed the parliamentary fishing role in October.
He has underlined his “mission” to champion the industry in parliament and is keen to hear and raise any issues fishermen are having relating to the Scottish Government.
Some of his other questions to the Scottish Government include the number of occasions rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon has visited different fishing organisations, issues relating to Marine Scotland, and figures on EU and non-EU vessels.
Buckie-based Scottish Conservative shadow secretary for rural affairs and fishing, Tim Eagle MSP, said: “Fishing forms the lifeblood of Scotland but it’s clear more needs to be done on holding the SNP government to account over its representation of the industry.
“Scottish Government negotiators have a far stronger voice at the table than they ever did before compared with when we were just one of 28 EU member states.
“Yet despite this, the SNP are hell-bent on aligning our fishermen once again with European Union rules, rather than helping to deliver the benefits available to them now.
“I’m determined to use my time in parliament to champion the industry.
“As a farmer myself, the comradeship between the primary industries of farming and fishing make me feel quite close to the sector.
“The risk of more marine protected areas, the revised TCA next year and the threat of rejoining the EU, as well as the considerable uncertainty about checks on EU boats are among the key issues facing the sector.
“It’s vital this Scottish Government gives its full backing to the fishing industry so it can continue to produce world-class produce for us and countries around the world to enjoy.”
