Scottish Fishing Leaders Decry UK Government’s Allocation of Coastal Growth Fund

Scottish ministers and fishing industry leaders have voiced their strong discontent over the UK government’s recent announcement regarding the allocation of a new £360 million ($480.6m) Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. Scotland is set to receive a mere 7.78% of this substantial fund, an amount that many industry figures argue does not accurately represent Scotland’s significant role in the UK fishing industry.

Disproportionate Allocations

According to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), England will receive the lion’s share of the fund, amounting to £304 million, while Scotland is allocated £28 million. The remaining funds will be split between Wales and Northern Ireland, who will receive £28 million together.

Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), criticized this decision, stating, “This is a grossly unfair division when Scotland comprises by far the largest part of the UK fishing industry, routinely accounting for around 60% of landings by both tonnage and value.” She further lamented that what was promised as a “consolation prize” has instead turned into a “booby prize.”

Concerns Over Distribution Methodology

Macdonald highlighted that DEFRA’s use of the “Barnett formula” has drastically cut Scotland’s rightful share from 47%% to less than 8% with little explanation or discussion. This approach has raised eyebrows and angered many within the industry.

Official Reactions

The criticism was echoed by Scotland’s cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform, and islands, Mairi Gougeon. In a letter addressed to UK DEFRA minister Angela Eagle, she described the funding allocation as “wholly unacceptable.”

Gougeon pointed out that the Scottish fishing sector is responsible for over 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity and seafood exports, deeming the allocation of just £28 million as “unjustified and nothing short of insulting.” Her concerns extend to the potential implications of such low funding, indicating that Scotland would only have approximately £2.3 million a year to invest in marine industries.

Call for Fairer Allocations

Both the Scottish government and the SFF have urged the UK government to reconsider the current allocations and engage in discussions with devolved administrations to establish a fairer deal for Scotland’s fishing industry.

As of now, the UK government has yet to publicly address these serious concerns and criticisms.

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