Fishing recession to be studied

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A detailed study begins this week to examine the toll the recession is taking on Scotland's fishing industry.

It will look at the impact of issues on fishermen such as quotas, fuel and fish prices, and the days at sea regime in the current economic climate.

The Scottish Government commissioned the research, which will be carried out by the Sea Fish Industry Authority.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said the study would help shape the future for Scottish fishing.

He said: "The tough restrictions imposed on the fleet this year by the EU, combined with the global economic situation, are undoubtedly making life challenging for some of our fishermen.

"As part of the Scottish Government's updated economic recovery programme, we continue to do everything in our power to support our fishing industry during these difficult times."

Mr Lochhead added: "Our new economic impact assessment will provide a detailed picture of the issues and allow us to work with the industry and Europe to map out a profitable future for our fishermen."

There is a real danger that instead of treating the patient, the medicine administered will end up killing it Bertie ArmstrongSFF

The minister, who is due in Luxembourg for the latest round of fisheries and agriculture talks, also said he had written to European Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg requesting a meeting to discuss the economic study and similar work being carried out at a European level.

The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) welcomed the report, which will estimate the change in profit over 2009 and 2010.

Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive, said: "This is very much one of the missing elements of the restrictive new regulations applied for 2009, which were introduced without any thought or proper economic analysis given to the actual impact they would have on the fishing industry."

He added: "There can always be a choice in the severity and speed of introduction of new control measures, and this is why a socio-economic analysis of the effects are essential.

"Otherwise, there is a real danger that instead of treating the patient, the medicine administered will end up killing it."