Fisheries associations in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles have combined forces to urge the Scottish Government to take special measures to protect their local industry by devolving greater powers to them.
The island organisations are seeking a meeting with Transport and Islands Minister Derek Mackay to present 10 recommendations which they say would help secure a future for the three fisheries-dependent communities.
These include wanting their three groups to be designated officially as "small offshore islands which are dependent on fishing". This is because in the European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) it states that such islands "where appropriate, be especially recognised and supported in order to enable them to survive and prosper.
They seek an "opt-out" for locally-based vessels from fisheries regulations and management powers devolved to the Scottish Government, for example the proposed new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Allowing the islands to alter local fisheries and environmental management boundaries out to their 12-mile limit, is also on the list.
Fiona Matheson, secretary of the Orkney Fisheries Association, said: "As everyone in the islands knows, fishing is an absolutely essential part of economic life and it's time this was reflected in devolved powers for the industry.
"There is all-party support for such devolution to the islands and the three island groups have come forward with 10 very practical, sensible recommendations for fisheries which we hope the minister and his colleagues in government will take very seriously."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are committed to supporting our fishermen, representing their interests in Europe and helping to ensure the industry gets the help it needs to continue to flourish.
"We understand there are particular issues for fishing communities in our Islands. Following constructive discussions, including careful consideration of fisheries issues, the Scottish Government and the islands already have an agreed position in the 'Empowering Scotland's Island Communities' prospectus which was published last June.
"A consultation on views for a future Islands Bill will also be published this summer where island communities will be invited to share their views on providing more power, equality and protection for the Islands.
"We will respond to the points in this letter in due course."
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