New fisheries research vessel

Alba Na Mara, meaning the Scottish Seas, will protect the fish stock in Scottish waters and undertake research of the marine environment to support the sustainable management of Scotland’s fisheries.

Mr Salmond said the vessel was the biggest and most sophisticated ship to be built by MacDuff shipyards, and a significant addition to the Fisheries Research Services fleet.

“A striking example of Scotland’s industry and innovation, it was designed in Scotland and built in Scotland with the main purpose of researching and protecting Scotland’s seas.”

He underlined the Government’s support to safeguard the fishing and aquaculture industries in Scotland:

“Our fishing and fish farming industries are pivotal to the Scottish Government's overarching goal - increasing sustainable economic growth. It supports thousands of jobs across the country while the total value of landings made by Scottish vessels in 2006 amounted to 368.5 million pounds.

“We must do all we can to safeguard these industries and ensure science plays its central role in monitoring, researching and advising to build a more sustainable, profitable sector,” Mr Salmond said.