A BOAT has been raided by marine officials in a crackdown on illegal fishing for razor clams believed to be being sold to the lucrative Far East market.
Marine Scotland enforcement officers intercepted the vessel in the Sound of Jura last Thursday and seized equipment and clams worth up to £4000.
Harvesting specific types of shellfish in the area is against the law because the waters are unclassified and shellfish may not be fit for human consumption.
The boat is also said to have been suspected of using electrofishing methods which are not allowed in European waters without a specific exemption.
Anyone caught in connection with the seizure could face court or a fine up to £10,000.
Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Our razor clams are particularly in demand in the Far East and it is vital that our reputation is not damaged by produce caught in waters which have not been classified as fit for human consumption.
"Unsuspecting consumers could catch shellfish poisoning from eating the illegal razor clams from unclassified waters.
"That is why catching those involved in this illegal activity is vitally important. Furthermore, the method being used to catch these shellfish is not currently permitted in Scottish waters."
He warned that this case should serve as a warning to others involved in illegal fishing.
"This intelligence-led operation shows that the Scottish Government, Marine Scotland and local authorities are determined to enforce the law", he said.
“We have seized a large quantity of illegally caught shellfish and have recovered and seized the illegal fishing gear that was dumped into the sea. This will be followed by either a heavy fine or prosecution for those involved. They will not escape lightly.
“This case should serve as a clear warning to any others that continue to engage in illegal fishing that they should stop or risk being caught and facing serious consequences.”
The shellfish seized by Marine Scotland will be destroyed by environmental officers at Argyll and Bute Council.
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