HUDGHTON HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATIVE SCHEME

SNP President Ian Hudghton MEP today (Monday) paid tribute in the European Parliament to the joint efforts of the Scottish fishing industry and the Scottish government in implementing a new voluntary fisheries conservation scheme.  Addressing the Parliament in Strasbourg, Mr Hudghton highlighted the fact that the scheme, aimed at safeguarding cod stocks, is the first of its type in Europe and could offer a template for future fisheries management schemes.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Hudghton stated:

"The Common Fisheries Policy is deeply discredited across Europe and there is widespread acknowledgement that centralised control from Brussels has been a complete failure.  Decisions concerning marine management should be taken by the fishing nations involved, with national authorities co-operating where appropriate.

"The launch this week of Europe's first voluntary real time closure scheme marks a whole new approach to fisheries management.  Decisions have been taken by the industry and government in Scotland with a view to safeguarding stocks for the future.  The Scottish scheme is being watched with interest by other European nations - and it is to be hoped that it can offer a template in future with a view to returning fisheries control to the national authorities".

Notes for editors

·        Details of the Scottish conservation initiative are available at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/08/30113942