The Scottish Government and the EMFF (European Maritime Fisheries Fund)  is investing £1.5 million in the monitoring equipment for the inshore fishing fleet and vital evidence based research.

It is intended that the tracking of vessels and the data provided by research will enable the inshore industry to fish sustainably

The EMFF has contributed significant amounts of money to Scotland’s fishing industry and its communities over the years, however, as of yet there is no replacement for this financial support when the UK leaves the EU on March 29th 2019.

Speaking at  the Inshore Fisheries Conference in Inverness, Fergus Ewing,Fisheries Secretary  in the Scottish Government said:

“We are taking action to modernise inshore fisheries and are introducing appropriate vessel tracking, as outlined in our Programme for Government. This programme will help underpin the future prosperity of our fleet and the many coastal communities that depend on it.

“This significant investment will not only help us make better and more responsive fisheries management decisions, but also improve interactions between fishing and other marine users.

“It’s encouraging that demand for Scottish seafood – at home and around the globe – continues to be strong. Business confidence is high, and the fisheries sector continues to take steps to improve productivity and sustainability. And despite the continuing threat and uncertainty of Brexit, it is vital we continue to invest.”