A vote in the European Parliament to reform the fisheries policy has been welcomed by fishermen as a “real opportunity” to deliver an effective regional management regime.
MEPs backed the reform plan of the Common Fisheries Policy, vowing to restore fish stocks after years of failed measures and to return profitability to fishing communities.
Bertie Armstrong of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said: “Rather than a centralised ‘one size fits all’ policy, we now have a real opportunity to control our fisheries much more effectively on a regional basis where fishermen, Government, scientists and other relevant stakeholders can develop effective management regimes.”