SCOTTISH salmon producers are being faced with a constantly changing “bureaucratic morass” that potentially could bring the sector to its knees.
That is the view strongly expressed by the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) after the latest Brexit burach in which so-called Frontier Permits became necessary on July 1 for Norwegian crews on the specialist wellboats that treat, harvest and transport Scottish salmon. The new permits, however, do not cover all the Norwegian crew members needed to operate the boats.
Hamish Macdonell, the SSPO’s director of strategic engagement, wrote in Fish Farmer magazine: “The result has been a major headache for our sector and a problem which could potentially bring the whole Scottish salmon sector to its knees.” Macdonell says there are more problems to come: “Anyone who adhered to the clean-break theory for our departure from the EU is being proved wrong, week by week and month by month. Indeed, every time we think we have got to grips with the changes brought about by the UK’s exit from the EU, something else rises up from the bureaucratic morass to test us yet again.”
READ MORE: Probe launched over claims of ‘sonic torture’ at Scots fish farms
On August 21, the rules on Export Health Certificates (EHC) for the export of fish to the EU will change.
Macdonell wrote: “There is still considerable uncertainty over the changes and what they will mean. It appears that the certificates may need to be signed off by a certified vet, rather than an environmental health officer, but even that is unclear at the moment. What is certain is that eight months after EHCs were introduced for fish exports to the EU and after eight months of getting used to the complicated new system, further changes are in the pipeline.
“So if there is one thing our members are having to get used to with Brexit it is this: constant change. Just when they thought it was safe to relax a little and think they had sorted the Brexit changes, along comes something new.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel