He added: “Equally importantly, the UK Government’s proposed points-based framework for immigration must take into account the sector’s employment needs.
“We are dependent upon migrant workers from other EEA countries, which make up 48% of the workforce as a whole and 70% in the North East of Scotland, so it is vital that our members are able to gain continued access to this labour pool.”
The SSA is also calling for a fit-for-purpose replacement for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), which will expire at the end of the transition period in December this year.
“We believe strongly that the principles and priorities of the new funding regime must not be hamstrung by damaging limitations such as state aid, so that access to funding for our members is as open as possible to allow continued innovation and development across the sector.”
Source: Scottish Seafood Association