Fishing leaders call for isles protection for industry

Fisheries associations in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles have combined forces to urge the Scottish Government to protect the industry in the island groups.

They are seeking a meeting with Transport and Islands Minister Derek Mackay to present 10 recommendations which the associations say would help secure a future for the three fisheries-dependent communities.

Commercial fishing is economically and culturally vital to the islands and accounts for around a quarter of landings, vessels and jobs in the industry in Scotland, say those behind the move.

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.”

In a letter to Mr Mackay, Ms Matheson, Simon Collins, executive officer of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, and Duncan MacInnes, secretary of the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association have made various recommendations, which include provision for 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).