The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation condemns UK Government’s allocation of Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund as “grossly unfair” to Scotland
The Scottish fishing industry has strongly criticised the UK Government’s allocation of funding under its new £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, describing it as “grossly unfair” and a “booby prize” for Scotland.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced on 20 October that the fund will invest in modernising the UK’s fishing fleet, training the next generation of fishermen, and boosting coastal economies. Of the total £360 million, £56 million will go to the devolved nations, including £28 million for Scotland, £18 million for Wales, and £10 million for Northern Ireland. The remaining £304 million will be allocated to England.
According to Defra, the devolved administrations will manage their respective shares “to meet the specific needs of their fishing and coastal communities.”
Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the fund “will revitalise the fishing sector and coastal communities right across the UK, spurring growth as part of our Plan for Change,” while Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said the £28 million investment would “help deliver a bright, sustainable future for the fishing industry and those who live on our coast.”
However, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) said the funding model “short-changes” Scotland, which accounts for the vast majority of the UK’s fishing activity.
SFF Chief Executive Elspeth Macdonald said: “This is a grossly unfair division when Scotland comprises by far the largest part of the UK fishing industry, routinely accounting for around 60% of landings by both tonnage and value.
“When the fund was announced in May as a consolation prize for the government giving away access to UK waters until 2038 for as yet nothing in return, Defra said it would invest in new technology and equipment to modernise the fleet and work with industry to target investment where it matters most.
“Five months on, Defra having held only one meeting with industry, we’re told that the fund will be allocated according to the Barnett formula, due to an opaque change in policy within Treasury. Previously, Scotland’s share of fisheries funds was set at 47%. That has now been reduced to less than 8% at the stroke of a pen and with no discussion.
“This has gone from being a consolation prize to now being a booby prize. It’s hard to feel that this government cares one jot about the Scottish fishing industry. Sold out by the Prime Minister through the EU re-set, told that we would have this fund to help support the industry for the future, only now to find that Scotland’s share is close to derisory. This is another bitter blow for Scotland’s fishermen.”
Macdonald added that the SFF was disappointed the Scotland Office “did not stand up for the Scottish fishing industry” over the decision.
The £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund is intended to “create more secure, sustainable, and economically successful fishing and aquaculture sectors across the UK.” However, with the allocation now based on the population-driven Barnett formula rather than industry output, Scotland’s fishing leaders say the policy fundamentally fails to reflect the true scale and value of Scottish fisheries within the UK economy.
