Fishing leaders have stressed the industry's importance to Scotland

The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) has published a mini-manifesto of the main points it wants addressed.

These include Scottish interests being properly taken into account in wider negotiations with a team approach.

SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said all parliamentarians should assist meeting the challenges facing "one of Scotland's most notable industries".

Whatever the political landscape after the May election, the proper support of the Scottish fishing industry is vitally important Bertie Armstrong Scottish Fishermen's Federation

He called for clarity in the way that the interests of Scottish fishing are taken into account in the UK-wide decision-making process.

Mr Armstrong said this had to include an assurance that this process would work properly, and if it didn't then to seek appropriate change.

He said a team approach between Holyrood, the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (Seerad) and the fishing industry had to be ensured.

Avoid divide

This was to aid the annual round of negotiations seeking the maximum sustainable catching opportunity for the Scottish fleet, and ensuring that regulation controls - including days-at-sea, the cod recovery programme and discards - were managed fairly.

Mr Armstrong said: "Whatever the political landscape after the May election, the proper support of the Scottish fishing industry is vitally important."

Mr Armstrong had revealed to BBC Scotland's News website last week the feeling for the need to avoid a future north and south divide in the industry.

He said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) had to refresh its view.