The Bristish voted in favour of the Brexit from the EU. (Photo: Stock File)

Brexit victory causes bitter-sweet reactions

UNITED KINGDOM
Monday, June 27, 2016, 19:40 (GMT + 9)

The result of the referendum vote for the UK to leave the European Union (EU) has been received with mixed feelings of 'uncertainty' for some representatives of the fishing sector and 'excitement' for Brexiting fishermen.

The historic decision, which was not supported by Scotland -- voting in favour of the UK staying in the EU --, brings both opportunities and challenges for the fishing industry, according to the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), whose chief executive Bertie Armstrong pointed out “SFF will be doing everything in its power to ensure that the best possible deal is achieved for fishing during the exit negotiations,” BBC informed.

“To aid this process, it is vital that we have clarity from both the UK and Scottish Governments on their future intentions for fishing. Our national governments must work closely with the industry over the coming months and years to ensure that the right framework is put in place to deliver a prosperous future,” Armstrong stressed.

For his part, Mike Park, chief executive of the Scottish White Fish Producers' Association said most of his organisation's members had wanted out of the EU.

"European Union fisheries policy is flawed - that is why so many fishermen voted to leave," he added.

"But we need to recognise that there are significant dangers to the industry if the UK and Scottish governments do not react to the very clear message by focusing on a new approach that recognises fishermen themselves and their communities as the key stakeholders," he claimed.

Several media sources have revealed that Scottish businesses are calling for swift action from authorities.

Fishing industry leaders have urged clarity from the UK and Scottish governments on their future intentions for fishing. And the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said "decision-makers" should focus on economic stability.

On the other hand, a leading figure in Grimsby's seafood industry has warned not to expect "an armada of new fishing vessels" following Brexit.

While Steve Norton, chief executive of industry trade body Seafood Grimsby & Humber, is confident it will be business as usual for trade and the processing industry – with supplies concentrated on non-EU countries and largely for domestic consumption – he did express concern about the availability of dedicated funding, issued by Brussels.

In west Cornwall many fishermen backed the leave position despite fears revolving around foreign imports and exports with European contacts, The Cornishmen reported.

Paul Trebilcock, chief executive of Cornish Fish Producer's Organisation Ltd, believes those who backed the 'Brexit' campaign on the ticket of helping Cornish fishermen must now step up to the plate.

"The dice have been thrown after weeks of different arguments and rhetoric so let's just see what happens," he said.

"The Vote Leave supporters, like George Eustice MP, have raised the expectations that leaving will improve the fishing industry, they now need to deliver -there is no hiding place,” Trebilcock stated.

Mr Trebilcock added that fishing stocks are rising and that after recent improvements it is becoming more and more of a sustainable industry – one that he believes Britain will have to ensure is not "jeopardised" by leaving the EU.

"Changes to the common fishing policy are perhaps not completely over-ambitious but make no mistake this will be a real challenge which will need a high standard of negotiation.The entire Vote Leave campaign as a whole owes a great deal to the fishing industry, it may not have been the most important issue but it was a symbol and we will remind them of this,” he said.

"There is a degree of uncertainty, but we will continue in our efforts to protect the interests of fishermen, not just in Cornwall, but across the country,” the leader concluded.

Meanwhile, WWF-UK, who had campaigned for the environment to be integral to the debate and asked voters to consider the implications their choice would have for nature, is concerned about the risks and uncertainties for the environment of the UK moving outside the EU.

“There will now be many years of transition, so we need to do all we can to ensure that regulations and actions are in place for the environment, to promote a sustainable future including addressing climate change. These need to be as good or even better than those currently in force within the EU,” its release reads.

In this regard, WWF-UK CEO David Nussbaum ensured that with the right policies the UK could continue to be a global force for the protection of nature, adding that as an immediate step it is vital to retain the environmental protections that have delivered cleaner air and beaches, helped preserve habitats and cut carbon emissions.

Related articles:

- Brexit delays agreement on trawling
- Former British Chancellor confirms BREXIT poses risks on Falklands
- THE FALKLANDS CASE: What will the population do if BREXIT is voted?
- Fishermen campaign for Brexit due to quota constraints

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