Scottish Government Debate: Sea Fisheries and End Year Negotiations

Fergus Ewing S5M-02922 That the Parliament acknowledges the conclusion of negotiations with Norway on shared stocks in the North Sea and the forthcoming annual fisheries negotiations in Brussels; notes that 2017 will see the continued phased implementation of the landing obligation for whitefish to include North Sea cod and whiting; further notes that the outcome of the negotiations will be pivotal in helping the fleet to continue implementing the landing obligation while maintaining its approach to sustainable fishing and remaining economically viable, and supports the Scottish Government in its efforts to achieve the best possible outcome for Scotland’s fishermen, coastal communities and wider seafood sectors. Peter Chapman S5M-02922.1 As an amendment to motion S5M-02922 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Sea Fisheries and End Year Negotiations), leave out from "notes that 2017" to end and insert "understands that fishermen in Scotland have expressed disappointment regarding their blue whiting catch allocation, which ran contrary to the vote of the UK negotiating team; notes that 2017 will see the continued phased implementation of the landing obligation for whitefish to include North Sea cod and whiting; considers that the outcome of the negotiations will be pivotal in helping the fleet to continue implementing the landing obligation while maintaining its approach to sustainable fishing and remaining economically viable; supports the Scottish Government in its efforts to achieve the best possible outcome for Scotland’s fishermen, coastal communities and wider seafood sectors, and acknowledges the opportunities, as well as the challenges, for Scotland’s fishing sector in the coming years." Rhoda Grant S5M-02922.2 As an amendment to motion S5M-02922 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Sea Fisheries and End Year Negotiations), insert at end “, and believes that Marine Scotland staff who crew marine protection vessels should receive a fair pay settlement that recognises their experience and skills." Tavish Scott S5M-02922.3 As an amendment to motion S5M-02922 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Sea Fisheries and End Year Negotiations), insert at end “; further notes the ongoing EU negotiations with the Faroe Islands over access to EU waters for mackerel and urges the Scottish Government to resist any increase in Faroese access; notes that the Faroe Islands export fish to Russia despite the international sanctions that Scottish processing companies comply with; recognises the challenges of the EU landing obligation; notes that the proposed cod quota for 2017 will create further choke species problems therefore making the discard ban policy counterproductive, and requests that the Scottish Government begins preparations on a Scottish fisheries policy in consultation with fishing communities, irrespective of the outcome of Brexit.”