Wednesday, 01 February 2012
NAFC MARINE CENTRE SUPPORTS SFA THROUGH PERIOD OF POSITIVE CHANGE
The NAFC Marine Centre has agreed a number of arrangements with Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) that are intended to assist the Association following the recent departure of SFA Chief Executive Hansen Black. These arrangements are intended to provide support to the Association during this crucial period as it deals with the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the myriad of other challenges facing the fish catching sector at this time.
The Centre has agreed to sub-contract employee Leslie Tait, who acts as the SFA’s Chairman, for as much time as is necessary to continue to provide strong leadership to the SFA during restructuring. The SFA has already embarked on a process of assessing various operational models and procedures that can best serve local industry in a year that will see the practical realities of reform to the CFP.
In addition, Dr Ian Napier of the Department of Marine Science and Technology will become NAFC Marine Centre’s official Technical Advisor to the SFA. The intention is to improve the flow of information between industry, government and other stakeholders, to assist the SFA in understanding the detailed analyses of changes in fisheries policy produced on a regular basis by the Marine Centre and to ensure that the Centre remains up to date with industry’s current views and outlook.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation (SFPO) Chief Executive Brian Isbister commented: “The support shown by the NAFC Marine Centre to our Association as we prepare for replacing our Chief Executive has been warmly welcomed by our members.”
“Until such time as we recruit a replacement, being able to call upon the experience and services of both Leslie and Ian is going to be of immeasurable help, and highlights the significant value of the NAFC Marine Centre to our Industry.”
Dr. Martin Robinson, Head of Marine Science and Technology at the NAFC Marine Centre added: “There is no doubt that there are great challenges - but also opportunities - for Shetland and wider Scottish industry in the years ahead. I am delighted that we have knowledgeable and credible staff that can assist the SFA in their restructuring, but also in sharing information into the future. We remain independent and objective at the Centre, but our work is meaningless unless it is informed by the reality that the industries that we work with face. The possible impacts and implications of the CFP reform, as they emerge from the EU Commission this year, will be of particular importance to the SFA and its members, and our Marine Science staff will be working hard to keep local stakeholders up to date on this and other developments.”
Further information from:
Martin Robinson, NAFC Marine Centre, tel 01595 772000, email martin.robinson@nafc.uhi.ac.uk or visit www.nafc.ac.uk
Or, Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465, email louise.rosie@shaw-online.com or visit www.shaw-online.com