Marine Protect Areas consultation a “litmus test” for Scottish Government – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called for fishing communities and the catching sector to “make their voices heard” after the Scottish Government launched a consultation on fishing restrictions within Marine Protected Areas. 

Marine Protected Areas currently cover 37% of Scottish waters. The government is consulting on the introduction of measures such as zonal or full restriction of using demersal mobile and static gear at 15 of these sites.

The SNP-Green coalition previously attempted to impose Highly Protected Marine Areas, which would have banned fishing outright in large areas of the sea, but withdrew the plans following strong opposition.

Mr Carmichael said:

“The opening of a new consultation on Marine Protected Areas is an important moment for fishing communities to make their voices heard. After the disaster that was the SNP-Green coalition’s attempt at imposing HPMAs last year people are understandably wary of these new proposals. The catching sector has always been willing to engage in good faith with the government – the question is whether this will be a good-faith form of consultation from the government themselves.

“Fishermen want biodiversity and sustainability in our waters as much as anyone, but we need to strike the right balance so that evidence and outcomes drive decision-making, rather than blanket bans and a top-down approach. 

“This consultation will be a litmus test for the Scottish Government – and whether they have learned their lessons after last year’s HPMA debacle and this year’s electoral shellacking. After years of spatial squeeze and fishing being the poor relation in Scottish government priorities it is time for a reset.”