Outraged fishermen have said small creel fisheries have been “forgotten about” by the Scottish Government as a temporary ban on fishing in the Clyde has led them to close their businesses for three months.
Fishermen based at Campbeltown Harbour have told how static fisherman feel “forgotten” and their businesses “left to suffer” following an 11-week ban in a section of the Firth of Clyde.
The targeted cod ban – which prohibits all fishing activity where cod can spawn in the Clyde – came into place on 14 February after it was announced on 12 January.
The government claims the ban intends to protect spawning cod and the marine ecosystem following over-fishing.
The decision aligns with the commitments in the Bute House Agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party.
However, there has been scepticism from groups over whether the ban is effective and an emphasis on how it is impacting community fishermen.
Trawlers and static fishermen are still able to fish nearby in the Clyde, as prohibited areas were chosen based on the sediment types cod prefers to spawn.
Read more:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/national/outrage-as-temporary-ban-forces-fishermen-to-close-businesses-for-three-months-3576302