 Fishing leaders are hoping for a good working relationship |
Fishing leaders have stressed the need to avoid a future north and south divide in the industry. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) said the Scottish fishing industry seemed too far from Whitehall to be clearly seen.
SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) had to refresh its view.
He said the Scottish Parliament's next administration could help secure this.
Mr Armstrong was speaking after owners of small fishing boats along the coasts of east and south-east England were recently thrown a controversial lifeline by Europe.
Britain exchanged with Germany 1.5% of its quota for North Sea prawns for permission to land an extra 150 tons of high-value sole.
Ministers said it was a rescue deal that would safeguard 160 small boats in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Kent in danger of going out of business.
Mr Armstrong told BBC Scotland's News website: "Scottish fishing seems too far from Whitehall to be clearly visible.
"Whatever way it is measured, volume or value of catch, tonnage or total engine power, the Scottish fishing industry forms the greater part of the UK industry."
'Valued relationship'
He explained: "Since 1999 it has been a devolved matter and you might think that would put control where it was best placed.
"Seerad (Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department) controls Scottish Industry, Defra likewise for England and Northern Ireland.
"The relationship between the Scottish industry and the Scottish Executive has been a valued, active, occasionally boisterous, mostly successful link.
"This has resulted in the two main fishing stakeholders - the catchers and the regulators - forging with others a meaningful strategy for a sustainable, profitable, well-managed Scottish sea fisheries industry."
'Dynamic component'
Mr Armstrong continued: "However, when it comes to Scotland's influence in decisions within the UK, recent actions demonstrate an unhappy myopia - Defra sees only its own local responsibilities.
"The problem is not and should not become a north south divide. The operations of the different fisheries based all round our coasts are not mutually exclusive.
"The solution resides in Defra refreshing its view of the industry, recognising and including the dynamic Scottish component. And acting accordingly."
He stressed: "Whatever the political landscape after the imminent Holyrood elections, the proper support of the Scottish fishing industry will remain as a consistently important requirement.
"The SFF is calling on Scottish parliamentarians to help this sustainable, businesslike, entrepreneurial industry face its challenges."
A Defra spokesperson told BBC Scotland: "Defra actively involves the devolved fisheries departments in the discussions surrounding EU fisheries policy.
"We work very closely to ensure that all the outcomes are equal and fair and reflect the specific requirements of each of the fisheries in the UK."
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Whatever the political landscape after the imminent Holyrood elections, the proper support of the Scottish fishing industry will remain as a consistently important requirement
