– in the Scottish Parliament at on 1 February 2024.
Kenneth Gibson
Scottish National Party
7. To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the UK Government regarding any charges levied by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for converting to, and investing in, net zero fishing vessels. (S6O-03052)
Gillian Martin
Scottish National Party
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands recently wrote to the United Kingdom Minister who is responsible for maritime, international issues and security about the fees that are charged by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in relation to modifications intended to transition fishing vessels to electric power. They confirmed that, for fishing vessels under 15m long, the fees that are payable relate to the actual costs that are incurred and are recovered in line with regulations.
Supporting and encouraging early adopters of electric technology on board fishing vessels is a key aim of the Scottish Government.
Kenneth Gibson
Scottish National Party
There is a pressing need for the fishing industry to decarbonise. Last year, a study that was produced for Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability warned that failing to invest in alternative technology could leave fleets unviable. Despite that, fishers who are looking to convert vessels from diesel to electricity face sizable fees from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Does the Minister agree that the UK Government should be encouraging that kind of investment instead of raising unnecessary barriers?
Gillian Martin
Scottish National Party
Thank you, Presiding Officer.
As Kenneth Gibson rightly points out, our fishers are the most innovative in the world and are early adopters of technology. The Scottish Government has given £900,000 in support of fuel efficiencies and adaptation of fishing vessels.
It is disappointing that the UK Government and the MCA are creating barriers that could prevent small fishing businesses from benefiting from innovative technologies in emissions reduction and autonomy, which is why we wrote to Mairi Gougeon’s UK counterpart to raise concerns about that approach. Sadly, the UK Government does not seem inclined to act to help smaller vessels to mitigate and adapt to climate change. However, as always, we will continue to make that important case.
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