In order to “support our fishing industry during these difficult times”, the Scottish government has commissioned a detailed study of the recession hitting that business.
The study, to be undertaken by the Sea Fish Industry Authority, 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, BBC reports.
“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”, said Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead. “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”, he added.
The minister also said he had written to EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg and asked for a meeting to discuss the economic study and similar work being carried out at a European level.