The Scottish Government directorate responsible for the integrated management of Scotland’s seas has to realise there are different needs across the fishing industry in Scotland and that the small inshore fishery in Fife could be “better supported”.
The call for action by Marine Scotland has been made by North East Fife councillors after it emerged that landing sales at Pittenweem Harbour during 2012-13 are down 50% on the same period last year due to a mixture of unfavourable weather and overfishing by larger vessels from the north-east of Scotland.
Small fishing businesses are also facing pressures as they have to contend with rising repair and maintenance overheads at a time when incomes are being severely constrained.
Fife councillors have agreed to extend the Fife Fisheries Development Fund (FFDF) for 2013-14 so that awards of up to £5,000 per business can be made. A funding commitment of up to £15,000 has been given.
An overview of the pressures facing prawn fishermen was given by council economic adviser Chris Wragg in a report to Fife Council’s North East Fife area committee.
Mr Wragg said 2012-13 had been a “poor fishing season” in the Forth estuary. He said fishermen are highly dependent on these inshore fishing grounds and have limited capacity to fish in other areas to try to maintain their income.
He said certain investment projects eligible under the terms of the FFDF can be major expenses for small fishing businesses. For example, the majority of the boats operating from Pittenweem were built more than 20 years ago. Replacement of a typical vessel engine can cost up to £20,000.
The main source of grant funding for fishermen to support marine engine replacement is the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).
However, the minimum contribution required from the applicant is 80% of the project cost, and the EFF grant must not exceed 10% and must be matched by other public sector sources.
He said the cash could help some businesses access European funding while more efficient engines could help reduce overheads.
He said Fife Fishermen’s Mutual Association (FMA) was aware of at least three Pittenweem fishermen needing to invest in engine renewal which could be enabled if a larger contribution was available.
He added: “Having a small discretionary grant fund available to support business development projects in the local fishing industry during 2013-14 will help the industry remain competitive and respond to changing market conditions.”
East Neuk councillor Elizabeth Riches said it was important for the council to support the FFDF scheme as it could make a real difference to the fortunes of fishermen.
St Andrews councillor and North East Fife area committee chairman Frances Melville said that with the Met Office predicting that Britain is likely to have gloomy summers for at least the next 10 years as a result of changes in climate, the negative knock-on effect for fishermen could be significant.
Tay Bridgehead councillor Tim Brett was told by Mr Wragg that the Fife Fisheries Development Group and FMA had been lobbying Marine Scotland on the possibility of a “no take” zone in the Forth estuary.
East Neuk councillor John Docherty highlighted that tourism was dependent on the picturesque harbours and continued fishing activity.
The committee pledged its support to the fishing industry.