FISHERIES VITAL FOR EYEMOUTH AND BERWICKSHIRE (Jim Hume)

FISHERIES VITAL FOR EYEMOUTH AND BERWICKSHIRE

August 14, 2007 12:00 AM

South of Scotland MSP Jim Hume has today asked the Scottish Executive for assurances that Eyemouth and the Berwickshire coast line will be given Fisheries Dependent Area Status within the draft EU Fisheries Fund 2007 - 2013.

Jim Hume said:-

"As a result of local consultation work carried out by Scottish Borders Council, local industry representatives and other interested parties, there are a number of issues which I hope can be addressed in the programme before it is finalised.

"Consideration needs to be given to the creation of fisheries dependent area status for Eyemouth and Eastern Berwickshire; the creation of local committees of appropriate industry representatives and others to oversee the allocation of programme funds; ring fenced budget arrangements for local committees and flexibility in the application of the funding under each of the priorities.

"In particular, if Eyemouth and the Berwickshire coast line were not given Fisheries Dependent Area Status, they would not have access to axis 4 funding - funding for use in the sustainable development of fisheries areas.

"Furthermore, the concerns expressed in Berwickshire reflect the need to ensure as much local input and control as possible over the management of economic assistance to the area and that's why we need to see local committees managing the allocation of funds into their local areas.

The MSP continued:-

"A full consultation will be held towards the end of the year to which I will respond in formal terms, but I'm taking the opportunity now to make the case for Eyemouth and the Berwickshire coast line.

"The fisheries industry plays a vital role in the economy of Eyemouth and the rest of Berwickshire and it's important that officials take this into account during their deliberations."