STRICT new regulations are putting Scottish boats fishing for razor clams at a huge disadvantage compared with vessels from other home countries operating in the same waters, it is claimed.
The organisation that manages Scotland's seas has launched a crackdown on the illegal use of electric currents to make the clam appear out of the seabed for collection by divers, with the introduction of a licence for Scottish boats.
It stipulates that boats should be inspected by Marine Scotland surveyors to ensure that there is no way to get an electric current down to the seabed and the names of divers have to be submitted to ensure they are properly qualified. Boat owners also have to fill in a form at the end of the week to show how many razor clams have been caught.
However, some within the industry are concerned that other boats operating in Scottish waters do not have to adhere to the same strict guidelines.
John Grieve, owner of Loch Leven Seafood and Director of the Razor Clam Fisherman's Forum, said: "There are at least three boats we know of, two registered in Northern Ireland and one registered in England, who are fishing off the west coast. The chances are they are electro-fishing. But this special licence only applies to Scottish vessels, not to any of the other home countries. So they can come into port with generators and cables on board and a boat full of razor clams, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. They have none of the extra hassle."
Mr Grieve, who stressed that the forum did not approve of electro-fishing, said there was a concordat drawn up between the home countries, which was supposed to ensure that any boat working extensively in Scotland, but registered in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, would have to get a Scottish licence.
"But you have six months to do that, and nobody knows if it is at all enforceable," he said.
He said it means Scottish boats are facing unfair competition when landing this valuable product.
A spokeswoman for Marine Scotland said the new licensing arrangements came into effect on August 18, and were being monitored.
She added: "Should a situation develop where non-Scottish registered vessels are being employed to circumvent the new licence requirements we will raise the issue and seek remedy with the appropriate UK Fisheries Administration."
Any vessel caught in the illegal act of electro-fishing within Scottish waters would face appropriate action by the authorities.
She said: "If non-Scottish vessels operate predominately in Scotland then they may be required to change administration and be subject to Marine Scotland licensing conditions. Electro-fishing remains illegal across all UKFA jurisdictions."
Mr Grieve disputed recent speculation that some gangs were earning £65,000 a day from electro-fishing razor clams: "That would mean they were getting prices of £150 a kilo. We currently get £7 a kilo wholesale in Hong Kong."
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