CALL FOR PROTECTION OF SCOTLAND'S HISTORICAL FISHING RIGHTS

CALL FOR PROTECTION OF SCOTLAND'S HISTORICAL FISHING RIGHTS

PARLIAMENT VOTE MUST NOT JEOPORDISE SCOTTISH WATERS

SNP President Ian Hudghton MEP has today (Thursday) called for Scotland's
coastal communities to unite in an effort to protect their historical
fishing rights. The call came after a vote in the European Parliament
opened the way for a review of the principle whereby fishing access is
allocated to countries on the basis of their traditional practices.

The vote came as part of the European Parliament's response to the
European Commission's review of the Common Fisheries Policy. It is
anticipated that a new European policy on fisheries management will come
into force in 2013.

The SNP is campaigning for the protection of historical rights and a
return of fisheries powers to Europe's fishing nations.

Speaking after the vote in Brussels, Mr Hudghton commented:

"There seems to be a consensus emerging across Europe that the CFP has
failed and that the over-centralised system must be abandoned.
Nevertheless, serious concerns must remain as to what will be put in its
place.

"It is clear that rule by diktat from Brussels has not worked and that
powers must be returned to Europe's fishing nations, co-operating with
each other on a regional basis. This effectively entails enshrining each
countries existing historical rights - and allowing decisions to be taken
closer to where it matters.

"The European Parliament voted today however to end the principle of
access rights based on historical practices. This is a dangerous move
which may well threaten livelihoods around Scotland.

"The UK government has already this week lobbied MEPs urging them to
abandon those historical rights. Unfortunately enough seem to have
followed that call.

"It is absolutely vital that Scotland's waters are not opened up for a
free-for-all. The CFP must not be replaced by a system where those
remaining traditional rights are scrapped forever.

"Scotland's coastal communities must be alert to this danger. The SNP
will work tirelessly with them in the coming months and years to ensure
that we secure a strong and vibrant future for our fishing industry."