OLECG backing for fishing vessel inspection call

Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) is supporting efforts to encourage local fishing vessel owners to register their boats as soon as possible – as the end of the Brexit transition period gets closer.

The group involves a broad range of organisations, including the emergency and public services, transport providers, the utilities and voluntary sector, and met this week as part of preparations for Britain’s exit from the EU at the end of the year.

The meeting, which was held virtually, was chaired by Chief Inspector Matt Webb, Police Scotland Area Commander for Orkney.

“There will be a range of implications Orkney and we will be meeting regularly over the weeks ahead and considering how these are best addressed on behalf of our community by the organisations OLECG brings together,” he said.

“An early example of this is the need for local fishing vessels large and small to be registered with and inspected by the Environmental Health team at Orkney Islands Council as quickly as possible.

“The implications for owners of not doing this are potentially severe. Depending on whether an agreed trade deal is in place by the end of the year, they could end up being unable to export their catch to Europe – directly or through another company they supply.

“There are around 120 fishing vessels in Orkney and just over 50 of those have registered so far. On behalf of OLECG, I would urge the other owners to contact Environmental Health as a matter of urgency.”

To get in touch with the Environmental Health team, send an email to env.health@orkney.gov.uk