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The 180 whitefish vessels, which are allowed only 15 days per month at sea, are facing the toughest restrictions ever placed on the UK fleet since it joined the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
According to figures from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) an average 80ft whitefish trawler may cost about GBP 17,000 for half-a-month’s tie-up in fixed expenses and capital charges.
The submission is based on half the whitefish quota being removed from fleet earnings. Around GBP 10 million will be needed to cover the fleet’s fixed costs and GBP 12 million in capital costs.
Additional money for vessels that fish for prawns as well as whitefish – now the bulk of the demersal fleet – brings the total bill to around GBP 30 million.
Meanwhile the chairman of the European Parliament’s fisheries committee Struan Stevenson called on his colleague’s to support a move for extra cash. This would include GBP 100 million for the Scots industry alone – GBP 40 million for tie-up measures and GBP 60 million in longer-term compensation to the industry.
The EU decided to award Spanish fishermen GBP 40 million in compensation for the Prestige oil tanker spill before Christmas.
Mr Stevenson’s motion also called for a lessening of long-term conservation measures. A special Parliamentary meeting on 28 January will decide whether not to back Mr Stevenson’s initiative.
By Peter Johnson
FIS Europe
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