Skippers' fears over fuel rules

Fishing boats will have to meet new fuel efficiency rules

Fishing leaders have warned that boats may be forced out of business if they do not receive European funding to meet new fuel efficiency rules.

Many trawlers will need new engines if they are to meet the strict European legislation by 2007.

But their owners, who are already struggling to stay afloat due to tough conservation measures, said they could not afford to meet the cost themselves.

The European Commission has not yet committed to provide any extra aid.

The Scottish white fish industry has estimated that the cost of meeting the new regulations could be up to £300,000 per boat.

Short-term aid

The industry is sending a paper to the European Commission to ask for assistance in funding the upgrades.

It hopes that a package of aid measures for fisheries, which is due in 2007, could be used to help.

The Scottish White Fish Producers Association is also seeking short-term aid to help to cope with rising fuel bills.

Unless we can draw down some sort of additional monies, then I am afraid the industry will be facing severe hardship Mike Park Scottish White Fish Producers Association

Chairman Mike Park said: "The majority of vessels are about 20 years old, which means the engines they have on board will not fit the standard.

"They either have to correct their engines, which in most cases is impossible, or they have to renew their engines, which in some cases can cost up to £300,000."

He said there was a lack of cash in the industry and a lack of confidence from the banks.

"Come 2007, unless we can draw down some sort of additional monies, then I am afraid the industry will be facing severe hardship."

Support from Europe

Scottish National Party MSP Stewart Stevenson added: "We have lost 1,200 fishermen in the north east of Scotland in the last couple of years.

"This is another issue where we must get support from Europe to re-engineer our fleet if these regulations go ahead."

The commission said the door was not closed to the possibility of funding some of the improvements.

A spokesman said it was waiting to see the Scottish submission, but that a package could be included in new funding arrangements which were being worked on.