This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New inshore fishing measures
03/09/2003
New measures to help conserve shellfish stocks are to be introduced following the laying of an Order in the Scottish Parliament.
The new measures which are expected to come into force on 23 September are:
* A maximum fishing size inScotland's inshore waters for female lobsters;
* A seasonal closure to the creel fishery west of Barra, the Uists and south Harris;
* A ban on the use of parlour creels targeting inshore prawn fisheries.
Commenting on the measures, Fisheries Minister Ross Finnie said,
"I welcome the introduction of these new measures which will aid our continuing efforts to conserve lobster, prawn and other shellfish stocks inScotland's inshore waters.
"Our consultations showed wide support amongst fishing interests for the measures and the longer-term benefits they are expected to bring. I am particularly pleased about the introduction of a maximum size for female lobsters, which will complement the existing minimum size and other existing measures for lobster conservation.
"The strategic review of inshore fisheries which is one of the key Partnership Agreement commitments for fisheries continues apace and is examining the way we have managed inshore fisheries over the years, including through the traditional triennial review process.
"The strategic review is exploring ways to improve the way we manage important inshore fisheries, including ways in which we can place stakeholders at the heart of policy making".
The Department consulted on 11 proposals as part of its 2001/02 reviewof inshore fishing prohibitions. The Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group and a wide range of other interests participated in the review.
The 3 measures listed above were widely supported by respondents to the consultation exercises. An Order introducing these was laid in the Scottish Parliament and should come into force on September 23.