The Scottish Government has received nearly 4,000 responses to its consultation on proposed fishing restrictions in 20 marine protected areas (MPAs), which could potentially impact the fishing industry by up to £65 million.
The consultation process has cost over £77,000, including £37,000 for publication and £33,000 for third-party analysis of responses.
Of the 3,945 total responses, 3,745 were campaign replies. The government is expected to make a final decision on the plans by the end of January.
The consultation proposes varying levels of restrictions on fishing equipment in MPAs:
- For 16 sites: Either zoned or full restrictions on demersal mobile and static gear.
- For 5 sites: Full site-wide exclusion of specified gear types.
These measures aim to achieve conservation objectives in the designated areas, which cover approximately one-third of Scottish waters
In the consultation document, it is estimated the proposals could cost the sector up to £65m if the equipment was banned in all 21 areas. The worst case scenario would mean an £8m annual average loss in value on landings, as well as the loss of up to 101 jobs.
Buckie-based Scottish Conservative MSP and shadow rural affairs secretary Tim Eagle said: “The high number of responses show there is a huge interest in this and a need to get these plans right.
“These proposals from the Scottish Government will heighten fishermen’s concerns about being squeezed out of large areas of the sea, hampering the economic wellbeing of our fishermen.”
The proposals come a year after the Scottish Government was forced to abandon its controversial plans for highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) which would have banned fishing from around 10% of Scottish waters.
Mr Eagle added: “The sector is rightly sceptical after the SNP-Green coalition’s reckless attempt at imposing HPMAs last year.
“Fishermen want biodiversity and sustainability in our waters as much as anyone, but they must have a voice at the table to ensure evidence and the potential impact of these proposals are at the centre of the decision-making process.
“At a time when 37% of Scottish waters are already protected under the existing MPA network, these proposed measures threaten to undermine an industry already facing numerous challenges.”
