The newly-established Scottish Fisheries Council has met for the first time in Edinburgh.
The council brings together representatives of the fishing industry, conservation groups and the scientific community.
It was created to ensure a sustainable future for fishing in Scotland.
It will provide a direct line of communication between the Scottish Government and all sectors associated with commercial sea fishing.
‘Hope and optimism’
One of its key roles will be to help promote the new conservation credits scheme, which was agreed as part of the deal reached at the Fisheries Council in Brussels in December.
Environment Secretay Richard Lochhead said: “This is a time of hope and optimism for our fishing communities.
“The Scottish Government strongly believes that our fisheries and marine environment are best managed in Scotland by all those with an interest.
“I want the Scottish Fisheries Council to make a real difference to fishermen and fishing communities across Scotland.”
The council will be responsible for developing proposals for Scotland’s first marine prize, which will recognise innovations that contribute to a sustainable future for Scottish fisheries.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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