The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association has announced the appointment of Alex Wiseman as vice-chairman. Mr Wiseman replaces Alex West who stood down after 36 years as a director in July after being elected President of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, a statement from the association said.

Mr Wiseman, from Banff, has been involved in pelagic fisheries since starting sea in 1967 and is skipper and part-owner of the 70 metre trawler Kings Cross. He has been a director of the Pelagic Association since 1987.

Speaking after the 72nd Annual General Meeting of the Association, held in Aberdeen, Chairman, Andrew Tait said: “I am delighted to welcome Alex Wiseman to the team responsible for fronting the Association’s ongoing lobbying activities at home and abroad. The work of the Association is vital to protecting the fishing opportunities of the NE Scotland and Shetland pelagic fleets and we are fortunate to have someone of Alex Wiseman’s experience willing to take on the role.”

He continued: “Alex West worked tirelessly for the Association over the best part of four decades, serving as vice-chairman twice and also as chairman for a six year period. He moves on to the Federation with our best wishes.”

Alex Wiseman commented: “The pelagic sector is in fairly good shape at the moment with mostly modern vessels and stocks that seem to be quite stable. However, as the northern European pelagic fleet is extremely efficient we need to ensure it is strictly controlled. I feel our priority as an Association is to protect and maintain our percentage share of the quotas as other countries are continually demanding an increase in theirs. Also, many jobs, onshore and at sea, are dependent on the industry.”

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