The Scottish Government could invoke the dispute resolution process if the Isle of Man Government does not call a halt to new fisheries management measures, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has said.
The proposals would see all vessels required to report in daily to the island which would restrict the activity of the industry which is worth around £3 million per year in Scotland.
Mr Ewing said:
“Over the last few weeks we have been in close contact with the Isle of Man Government and made it consistently clear that these moves would breach existing fisheries agreements and would detrimentally affect Scottish fishermen.
“We have put forward a number of alternative measures that would ensure sustainable fishing, and be more targeted, proportionate and, importantly, not disadvantage any one sector of vessels.
“I am deeply disappointed and frustrated that the Isle of Man Government has not listened to these alternatives or our concerns which is why I have been left with no option but to consider invoking the dispute resolution process as set out in the Fisheries Management Agreement.
“This has been an extremely fraught process with the Isle of Man Government failing to share its plans from the outset, failing to get involved in talks and failing to reach a reasoned agreement.
“I would urge the Isle of Man Government to come to Scotland for further discussions as we cannot accept such an obviously restrictive measure that would damage our crews carrying out their legitimate fishing activities.”
