Scotland's west coast inshore fishermen have requested an urgent meeting with ministers to highlight the serious impact that the recently announced Marine Protected Area (MPA) management measures will have on their fragile communities.
They are concerned that the new statutory measures giving protection to many vulnerable marine habitats, which take effect from October, go far beyond what was discussed in the consultation and would lead to the likes of scallop dredging being banned from some areas
Four draft Marine Conservation Orders were published by the Scottish Government last week for MPAs covering significant parts of the west coast. They are Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura; Small Isles, South Arran, and Wester Ross.
Clyde Fishermen's Association chairman Kenny MacNab wants to meet Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment, Richard Lochhead, to make clear many fishing communities are 'deeply troubled' by these new measures.
Writing on behalf of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF), Mr MacNab says in his letter to the minister the meeting should be held in one of the coastal communities most affected by the measures so that Mr Lochhead can hear for himself the concerns of fishermen and their families.
His letter says: "We appreciate that the marine area around Scotland is a common resource with many stakeholders, each having their own right to comment and input. However there is a concern over the level of exclusion felt amongst many fishing communities and the industry."
He added "Currently fishing representatives, and in turn their communities, have been left confused and let down. More than this the Scottish economy and brand for quality seafood could be impeded dramatically."
A Scottish Government spokesman said:
"A consultation on management of MPAs was conducted last year. Organisations and individuals interested in the draft Marine Conservation Orders are welcome to provide a written representation to Marine Scotland by July 12 2015. The Government will give proper consideration to all responses and, of course, the Cabinet Secretary stands ready to meet with stakeholders as necessary. In the meantime, Marine Scotland intend to undertake meetings with stakeholders, including fishing associations, to discuss the proposals."
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