New law will boost Moray fishing
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An MSP is claiming the Fisheries Act which become law this week will boost coastal communities in Moray and elsewhere.
Jamie Halcro Johnston says the new legislation gives the UK full control of its fishing waters for the first time since 1973.
It also removes EU vessels’ automatic access right to fish in UK waters.
Mr Halcro Johnson, whose list constituency includes Moray, said: "For too many years, our fishing industry has played second fiddle with most of the fish from our territorial waters being landed by foreign-owned vessels.
"This new Act ensures the devolved administrations have greater fisheries management powers, allowing them to move away from the unpopular Common Fisheries Policy."
Mr Halcro Johnson, who this week was appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, added: "The new Fisheries Act provides us with an opportunity to rebuild our fishing fleet, revitalise our coastal communities and create well-paid jobs for local people.
"This is important milestone legislation and, along with the UK Government’s proposals for a network of freeports, promises to unlock the economic potential of our coastal communities."
The UK has secured fishing arrangements with Norway and the Faroe Islands, and has what's called a memoranda of understanding with Greenland and Iceland.
Elspeth Macdonald, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) said: "The Fisheries Bill becoming law is another important milestone in the UK becoming an independent coastal state at the end of this year.
"The Fisheries Act will provide the right legal framework for responsible fisheries management in the UK.
"The SFF looks forward to working with both the UK and Scottish governments in taking forward the innovative approaches, such as fisheries management plans, that the Act makes provision for."
