Marine / New fisheries minister visits the isles
THE NEW UK fisheries minister has been left in no doubt as to the significance and value of fishing and aquaculture to the isles during a visit to Shetland this week.
Daniel Zeichner met representatives from the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) this morning (Thursday), and also toured a salmon farm in Vidlin and Scottish Sea Farms’ processing plant at Gremista.
The SFA called on the minister for a more constructive relationship between fishermen and government.
SFA executive officer Sheila Keith said: “Business confidence needs a boost at a time where fishermen feel forgotten, disadvantaged, and let down amidst the rush for green energy and other policies which create squeeze from important fishing grounds.
“The need for food security should be at the forefront of government minds when framing future priorities.”
Chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, Tavish Scott, said: “Having the UK minister responsible for salmon farming in Shetland so early in his new job is excellent.
“We welcome the new UK Government’s commitment to growing the economy and securing a new trade arrangement with the EU which would be very important for salmon exports and all of the seafood industry.”
The new minister was not giving any press interviews while in Shetland.
In a statement issued, he said: “From boosting fishing opportunities to knocking down obstructive trade barriers, this government will work to support the UK’s great fisheries and aquaculture businesses, including those in the Shetland Islands and across Scotland.”
