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MAFA NEWS
Copy of Ballot
paper
Visit to Scottish Exec
Nov 06
In
the 1st year of MAFA existence the committee
have been heavily involved in fighting for our
industries but also with the best interests of the
Island as a whole, particularly with regard to the
Coastal and Marine Park. Correspondence with MSPs, the
Scottish Executive and SNH have meant that all bodies
are aware of our interests. Meetings with the same
bodies have also heightened our profile. We have also
set up our own website which is
www.mull-afa.co.uk This
has now been updated with a transcript from parliament
proceedings and our consultation letter and response to
the Scottish Executive and the latest minutes from our
last committee meeting.
Working alongside the Arisaig/Mallaig group we have
been involved in a visit to the Scottish Parliament,
meeting with MSPs who listened and brought up many of
our concerns in the debate that followed in parliament
on the Marine Park. We were fortunate to have a MAFA
representative from Panfish who joined us in this
meeting.
MAFA have been instrumental in highlighting all the
issues regarding CMNPs and at our suggestion asked for
an Island wide conference on CMNPs which will hopefully
take place in December before the end of the 1st
consultation phase. Just recently MAFA attended a
Community Council meeting to explain their position and
the importance to the Island as a whole. If anyone
would like to make their own representations to the
Executive they may, and we would urge you to do so as
the Executive seemingly will take all representations
into account. This can be done by writing to Nikki
Milne, SEERAD, Marine Management Division,
G-H93,Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ or email
CMNPConsultation@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
We are at present organising our own survey
questionnaire for MAFA members, the results will be sent
onto the Scottish Executive.
Throughout the year MAFA have also dealt with
“Regulating Orders” and the policing of Regulating
Orders. We have also been consulted on the new “Sound
of Mull Iniative”and just recently have been asked to
consult on a “marine environment enquiry”
We have also made representations regarding Cal Mac and
commercial vehicles.
The workload would look set to increase with the
introduction of IFGs(inshore fisheries groups) The
Western Isles are just in the process of introducing the
1st west coast IFG which will almost
certainly eliminate them from the possibility of having
a Marine Park in their area for the foreseeable future.
There is no indication at present when our own area will
be considered for an IFG. but we will be pursuing this.
On the Aquaculture front there would also look to be
major changes in the pipeline with local councils taking
over the regulatory role from the Crown Commission
sometime in the New Year. More recently, we believe
that District Councils in particular, are pursuing the
Crown Commission through Parliament, to relinquish their
rights to the foreshore and seabed.
In the year MAFA owe their thanks to MICT for their
continued support also to Keri Logan who is acting
treasurer. More recently we have agreed to take on a
part time secretary.
With the approval of members at the AGM, we hope to ask
for an annual sponsorship scheme from boat
owners/companies but leave subscriptions the same for
individuals and associate members. To be effective more
time needs to be spent pursuing all these matters on
behalf of our industries on Mull. We hope you believe
this is worthwhile organisation and that you will
continue to support these vitally important industries
in these rapidly changing times.
MAFA AGM is to be held in Craignure Hall
on Wednesday 13th December at 8pm. All
members and any interested parties who support our
industries are most welcome
Nick Turnbull----Secretary MAFA |
