Commissioner Borg discusses fish quotas

European Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Commissioner Joe Borg will today start an official visit to the northern part of Scotland where the fishing quotas being discussed in Brussels will be one of the hottest issues raised during meetings with fishing stakeholders.

Fishermen from these northern shores strongly oppose the quotas and are lobbying their government to discourage the Commission from imposing low quotas or entire fishing bans aimed at safeguarding fish stocks.

Ahead of the visit by Dr Borg, Scottish Fisheries Minister Ross Finnie tried to assure fishermen they will be able to get "decent quotas".

"This is a key time of the year for Scotland's fishing industry and I welcome the commissioner's efforts to engage directly with our fishermen ahead of the forthcoming quota negotiations.

"I am committed to delivering a secure future for our fishermen and the communities they support," Mr Finnie said yesterday.

During his three-day visit, Dr Borg will attend a debate in Aberdeen with leaders of the UK offshore industries with a focus on the green paper on a future maritime policy published by the Commission last June.

After meeting Scottish members of the European Parliament and regional representatives, Dr Borg will hold talks with fishermen communities in Lerwick, Sornoway and the Shetland Islands.

Scientists last week recommended a complete ban on North Sea cod fishing next year. According to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, stocks of cod, sandeel and anchovy remain below sustainable limits.

The Commission is expected to present its final quotas proposals shortly.