Cllr Donald Crichton, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development Committee has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands to propose a Community Quota Pilot Scheme.
Cllr Crichton’s letter follows on from a discussion on the matter at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development Committee on the 6th of February.
Scottish Government is in the process of making decisions on the allocation of additional fishing quotas following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The pilot scheme proposed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar would see local authorities have more of a say over the allocation of fishing quotas, allowing for the prioritisation of local fishing industries.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar currently uses a community quota scheme to allocate existing fishing quotas and would welcome the opportunity to administer additional quotas in the same way. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar would also look to work with Government to pilot a community quota scheme that could be rolled out nationally to other interested Authorities and stakeholders.
Cllr Donald Crichton, said:
“It is clear that additional fishing quotas present a real opportunity for our fishing industry. It would be incredibly disappointing if this opportunity was passed to a small number of largescale operators rather than providing a proportionate benefit to the industry across Scotland.
“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s administration of community quota schemes has allowed for the local fishing industry to thrive. The Comhairle’s use of the scheme clearly demonstrates that local authorities are not only capable of implementing the proposed pilot programme but are also best placed to understand the needs of their own local fishing industries.
“It is highly disappointing that Scottish Government do not currently intend to use this methodology as a form of distribution. I look forward to further discussion on this critical issue for our community.”