The SFF has published a ‘balance-of-risk analysis’ of the replies it received from the Scottish and UK fisheries ministers on questions it raised on the implications for fishing should there be independence, or if the status quo is retained.
In the letters written in April to Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead, and UK Fisheries Minister, George Eustice, the Federation underlined that as an organisation it is apolitical and cannot take a view on independence - but it has been charged by its members to ask questions so as to provide more clarity that will enable individual fishermen to make their own minds up.
The letters written to the two ministers were exactly the same and grouped under three headings: The European Journey, Fisheries Management in an Independent Scotland and The Business Environment.
Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the SFF, said: “We are delighted that the two ministers took the opportunity to provide detailed replies as they provide important input into the independence debate. It gives our members a valuable opportunity to look at the key issues involved and help them reach a decision on how to vote.”
