Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government will provide an extra £200, 000 to help fisheries to attain sustainability certification. North Sea herring fishing has recently been awarded international certification for its sustainable working practices by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the first in Scotland to achieve this.
Currently only 31 fisheries around the world hold MSC certification, however 50% of Scotland’s fisheries are currently being assessed by the MSC and this additional funding will help them be successfully certified.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“The fishing industry is vital to Banff & Buchan and although it has faced many challenges in recent years, and continues to do so, great strides have been made towards making the industry here a sustainable one.
“I am glad that the first of Scotland’s fisheries has received international recognition for the sacrifices that have been made to make the industry sustainable, and with this additional funding now available, I am confident that the North Sea herring fishery will not be alone for long in holding certification.
“By being able to make it clear to consumers which fish have been caught in a sustainable manner and which have not, people will be able to make an informed choice about the fish they buy and hopefully reward the good practice of Banff & Buchan’s fishing fleet with increased demand”.
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
