John Swinney said Scotland's fishing industry is being "singled out"

Mr Swinney told a newspaper he would endorse any such action because the cuts amount to "blatant discrimination against the Scottish fleet".

The SNP leader was speaking after meeting fishermen in Shetland.

Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson said the comments were an "unwarranted distraction".

The fishing deal struck last December set fishermen a limit of 15 days at sea per month.

The North Sea fishing fleet was told it could catch 30% more prawns and 53% more haddock.

They feel they're on the receiving end of this deal and if they continue to fish it doesn't strike me as wrong to break the law John Swinney SNP leader

But fishing leaders said their members would defy the EU and go to sea for 24 days a month.

The Scottish White Fish Producers' Association (SWFPA) said that the 15 days at sea rule made no sense, given that 170 fishing vessels had been decommissioned.

Referring to the EU deal, Mr Swinney said: "It is not only bad for the North-East and the islands - particularly Shetland - it also includes blatant discrimination against the Scottish fleet.

"No other nation has been singled out.

'Severe obstacle'

"They feel they're on the receiving end of this deal and if they continue to fish it doesn't strike me as wrong to break the law."

An SNP spokeswoman said Mr Swinney stood by his comments.

But deputy environment minister Allan Wilson said Mr Swinney should retract his remarks.

Mr Wilson said: "This is the last thing Scotland's fishing communities need while discussions vital to the future of the industry are going on in Brussels.

"The very best that can be said of Mr Swinney's intervention is that it is an unwarranted distraction.

"At worst it could be a severe obstacle to a positive outcome."