Fishing shutdown implications go beyond geographical limits - McArthur

3.06.00pm GMT Wed 17th Dec 2008

Liberal Democrat Fisheries spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has urged the Fisheries Secretary to look beyond the geographical limits of the west coast and recognise the impact that closures will have on all coastal communities.

As the Fisheries Secretary departs for the December EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Mr McArthur said: "The Cabinet Secretary expresses his concern for communities from Campbeltown to Stornoway. I share those concerns. But the threat of a complete fishing shutdown will impact on communities far beyond those between Campbeltown and Stornoway. Ministers must not forget the implications for coastal communities in Scotland that rely heavily on access to west coast waters.Liam McArthur MSP

"The effective closure of the west of Scotland to the whitefish fleet would have a devastating effect on, amongst others, the fishing fleet in my own constituency, Orkney.

"There are also justifiable concerns about the harm that will be done to other fisheries by this closure as fleets are forcibly displaced. As negotiations get under way in Brussels, the Minister must stand by his promise to stand up for the Scottish fishing fleet and fishing communities across Scotland."