The Scottish Government has refused to offer financial support for fishermen left without an income for three months following a ban as a fisherman says he is being “driven into poverty”.
The news comes after an 11-week targeted cod ban – prohibiting all fishing activity where cod can spawn in the Firth of Clyde – came into place on February 14.
Creel fishermen told The Scotsman how they were left “devastated” by the ban as they were unable to move their boats without facing safety risks and “unaffordable” costs, leaving them to close their businesses for three months.
Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed, in line with policy around similar management measures, including the National Cod Avoidance Plan and Marine Protected Areas, the Government was not considering any additional financial support schemes specifically related to this closure…