THOUSANDS of fishermen's livelihoods are under threat due to a lack of proper safeguarding measures in
Scotland's lucrative inshore fisheries, it has been claimed.
Trade associations and conservationists have said the failure of the Scottish Government to implement a clear and firm approach is leading to over-fishing and the destruction of vital breeding grounds for crustaceans and other fish species.
According to marine protection and sustainability charity, Open Seas, Scottish ministers are more concerned about preventing European vessels operating in white fish areas than protecting the more lucrative and vital shellfish stocks that preserve livelihoods in small communities up the west coast and islands.
Nick Underdown, Open Seas' campaigns manager, said: "This issue of resource mismanagement has been a long-standing problem for Scotland. Inshore fishermen think better use can be made of our inshore waters than is currently being made. It would be better in terms of contributing to more secure livelihoods, better in terms of environmental impact and the sustainability of the resources."
He said Open Seas was worried the Scottish Government was "pulling back" from a key manifesto commitment to implement a Scottish Inshore Fisheries Strategy and update inshore fisheries legislation.
The inshore fishing fleet, which operate out to six miles from shore, are made up of about 1,400 vessels, 88 per cent of which are creel and dive operators.
Recently, a reef at Loch Carron near Plockton was badly damaged by a commercial scallop dredger, devastating the habitat of a rare species of flame shell scallop.
Even though scallop dredging is recognised as one of the most destructive forms of fishing in Europe, it is banned in just 4.4 per cent of Scottish inshore waters, with some other areas operating under seasonal restrictions.
Alistair Sinclair, national co-ordinator for the Scottish Creel Fishermen's Federation, said the industry was "not a healthy place right now" and its management was not "fit for purpose".
He said: "The Government does not have a clear strategy as to how it is going to look after all the organisations and businesses that work there."
A Government spokesman said: "We are working closely with local communities and the full range of fisheries groups to review what, if any, additional measures are required to protect our valuable marine habitats."
He said there was a wide consultation under way as legislative provisions are developed for an inshore fisheries bill.
He added: "We have been working over the past year to implement the Inshore Fisheries Strategy, which includes implementing a range of crab and lobster management measures and new catch limits for unlicensed fishermen.
"A trial for razor-clam fishing and new conservation measures governing scallop harvesting have recently been announced to further increase sustainability of these fisheries."
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