[Scottish Parliament, 20.08.2024] Highlands and Islands MSP and Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Islands Jamie Halcro Johnston has warned that measures included in the Scottish Government's latest consultation on proposed fishing restrictions could have a severe impact on Scotland's fishing industry.
The new proposals include bans on certain fishing gear in 21 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with potential economic losses estimated at £66 million. Mr Halcro Johnston said the proposals came at a time when fishermen were already facing challenges from the cost of living crisis and wind farm developments.
Mr Halcro Johnston said:
“Fishermen and coastal communities across the Highlands and Islands will be alarmed to see these restrictive measures back on the table from the SNP.
“It was only after sustained pressure from fishermen and the Scottish Conservatives that the then SNP-Green coalition finally abandoned its deeply unpopular proposals for Highly Protected Marine Areas last year.
“That experience showed how little SNP ministers in Edinburgh considered the needs of those communities who rely heavily on our waters, and I warned then that the Scottish Government would likely try and bring back new proposals which risked serious impact on the sector. That now appears to be the case.
“Even the SNP’s own consultation admits that the most extreme consequences could be a £66 million hit to the sector and our wider economy, as well as jobs being lost across the sector. That would be devastating.
“While striking the right balance is essential, SNP ministers must ensure they consult widely with the sector, and with island and coastal communities, and make protecting jobs, livelihoods and investment a top priority”.
ENDS
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