Under the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy, all European fishing fleets have equal access to EU waters. It's something that has become a battle-line in Brexit.
“Britain’s fishing industry in general has long supported Brexit, with voices demanding the UK takes back control of its waters," Euronews' Damon Embling reported from Islay.
“The thinking is that in the future, after Brexit, foreign vessels could still be allowed to fish in places like Scotland, but Britain would dictate the access.”
In Scotland, it’s claimed 60 percent of what would be Scottish fish is currently caught by other EU nations.
But to maintain frictionless exports to the continent in future, restricting other European boats may well hit the rocks.
'To keep trading or not, who knows'
Companies like Islay Crab Exports fear a no-deal Brexit outcome could be devastating.
“I’m sure there’s going to be a considerable extra cost for us. There’s going to be time delays with the transport, with all the customs controls, lots of extra paperwork, catch certificates, all sorts of things," said Fiona McFarlane.
“To keep trading or not, who knows.”
And, on what she hopes will now happen with Brexit, McFarlane said: “Just get it sorted, as quickly and as easily as possible.”
Migrant workers worry
Gabriel Ilkov, 25, left his home in Bulgaria to process shellfish on Islay.
He's banking on Brexit allowing migrant workers like him to keep coming to the UK to earn money.
“If they exit, I hope we will keep our work here, they will allow us to stay here," he told Euronews. "We are here because Bulgaria doesn’t have so much work for us. The payment is not so good. And for young people like me, it’s hard to make a family.”
Brexit could bring mixed fortunes for the fishing industry in Scotland and the rest of the UK. An industry that brings so much to communities like Islay.
Länk: https://www.euronews.com/2019/02/20/brexit-uncertainty-hits-uk-fishing-industry