At Question Time today in the Scottish Parliament, Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur, warned the Fisheries Minister, Richard Lochhead about the difficulties fishermen were having with the Conservation Credit scheme which was not delivering the help fishermen need. In response Mr Lochhead claimed he would investigate the issues raised by Mr McArthur and give them his urgent attention.

Following the exchange, Liam McArthur said;

“There is growing concern in the Scottish fishing industry at the way in which the Conservation Credits scheme is operating. Cuts in days at sea that have been backdated to earlier in the year will present serious difficulties for many of the fleet. Moreover, the threatened loss of access to the deep water edge along the so-called French line and the manner in which the monkfish quota transfers were handled by the Scottish Government have created unnecessary tensions within the Scottish fishing industry.”

“This scheme was intended to offer credit to fishermen for initiatives brought forward and delivered in partnership in the interests of securing a viable future for our industry. The problems that are emerging risk undermining industry confidence in this process.”

“The Cabinet Secretary claims to be addressing these concerns as a matter of urgency. This is welcome but he has his work cut out for him.”