“Watershed Meeting” with the MMO

NFFO Chief Executive Barrie Deas said after the meeting:

“It is no secret that we have been highly critical
of the MMO and have called for an independent review of the organisation. The
fishing industry needs and deserves a regulator that is effective, responsive
and professional. At best the MMO has been sub-optimal and at worst
dysfunctional.”

“This meeting felt different from those in the past
when we have been fobbed off with assurances, promises and management-speak. Time will tell, but with the new MMO Chief
Executive, there seems to be a new dynamism and willingness to address
fundamental issues rather that treating the symptoms of malaise. It feels like
some sort of watershed has taken place.”

“Experience has shown that effective regulation
requires a minimum of consent from those whose activities are being regulated.
The best regulation is based fully on a comprehensive partnership approach. It
was refreshing, therefore, that the MMO were themselves suggesting joint
initiatives with the NFFO on delivering an EMFF grants system that is easily
accessible by working fishermen; a campaign against the illegal sale of fish
from unlicensed angling boats; and industry involvement right at the start of
policy initiatives and the application of new technologies.”

“The current Government spending review, which seeks
cuts of 40% is going to force regulators to become more streamlined and to cut
out duplication and overlaps and seek efficiencies. The NFFO signalled its
willingness to work closely with the MMO to ensure that whatever comes out at
the end of this process of change is effective, practical, and respected by the
fishing industry.

“Over the last decade, the NFFO has been at the
forefront of a change in the way that fisheries scientists work with the
fishing industry and there is now reason why we can’t achieve the same with the
fisheries regulators.”