Richard Lochhead: CFP overhaul not radical enough for Scotland's damaged industry

THE Common Fisheries Policy has been a travesty for Scotland, slowly strangling our fishing communities without conserving Europe's fish stocks.

I welcome the European Commission's recognition that a radical overhaul is needed, with reform plans announced this week. However, as they stand, the proposals fall short and risk inflicting further damage on the long-suffering Scottish industry.

The catalogue of failure as a result of the CFP is damning. From its launch in 1983 to the present, the North Sea cod stock has reduced by 65 per cent. At the same time, the Scottish fleet's capacity has shrunk, with around one-third fewer large vessels now at sea.

Our fishermen are in a constant state of crisis management thanks to the haphazard and crazy annual fisheries negotiations that results in horse trading and illogical decision-making into the early hours.

As a result, a whole way of life and part of our valuable heritage has been damaged by decades of remote control by Brussels bureaucrats. That's why it is critical that the current reforms offer a new start for Scottish fishing communities.

The Commission's proposal for greater decentralisation of fishing policy is a welcome start, but doesn't go far enough. Most Scots would prefer that full responsibility for fisheries was returned to Scotland. It is the only way to stop clumsy one-size-fits-all policies that are totally inadequate for the mixed North Sea fishery.

The ecological and economic madness of fish discards must be addressed. The current system is responsible for massive quantities of good quality fish being dumped overboard. Europe should promote food security, not impose regulations that waste precious food. I am concerned, however, that the one-step move to a blanket ban the Commission is proposing would be counter-productive.

Much discarding takes place because the daft European regulations don't work in Scotland's complex mixed fisheries. We must change this and should work with fishermen to stop discarded fish being caught in the first place. In 2009, Scottish vessels were forced to discard almost 28,000 tonnes of fish, valued at 33 million. Add to that what other European fleets are discarding and the overall picture is horrific.

Despite the difficulties imposed by Europe, progressive Scottish initiatives have been developed, encouraging more sustainable fishing. Over the past two years Scottish efforts have halved our whitefish discards - the greatest reductions achieved anywhere in the EU.

Through the Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme our vessels use more selective fishing gear to avoid catching undersized and unwanted fish - and in return can spend extra time at sea. This ground-breaking approach has won plaudits across Europe, receiving strong backing from environmentalists.

Meanwhile, our catch quota trials reward fishermen with increased quota provided there are no discards - enabling fewer fish to be taken from the sea while more are landed to market; delivering a triple benefit to the consumer, the fish stocks and the fisherman.

It's concerning that the Commission's proposals could allow our historic fishing rights to be sold off. This could see them end up in the hands of faceless multi-national companies, which could price Scots fishermen out of the market.

Opening the door to an expansion of international quota trading would be dangerous. I believe national governments should continue to decide on the quota. We simply cannot allow fishermen to sell their quota to other countries, to the detriment of future generations.

With a new European approach to fisheries due to be adopted from 2013, the starting gun has been fired on negotiations over this deeply unpopular policy. This is both a challenge and a once-in-a-decade opportunity to deliver improvements for our fisheries and those whose livelihoods depend on the sustainable management of the seas. This is a rare opportunity to influence a new EU fisheries policy - one that is radically different from the catastrophic status quo we have at present - and bring Scottish expertise to the table. In the months and years ahead I am determined to ensure that Scotland's voice is heard in Europe.

• Richard Lochhead is the Scottish Fisheries Minister