New measures to protect the sustainability of shellfish stocks have come into effect in Scotland, imposing daily limits on a number of species for fishermen operating without a license.
The new restrictions are:
• One lobster
• 10 nephrops
• Five crabs (edible, green, spider and velvet) either of one of the named species or a combination
Five scallops (king, queen or a combination)
Scotland’s Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, said the setting of catch limits would make it possible for the government to distinguish between those fishermen genuinely pursuing a hobby and those catching sufficient quantities to make it a financially viable exercise.
“While I recognize and support the public’s right to fish, this right must be balanced with the management of commercial fishing activity and the sustainability and health of the stock,” said Ewing.
“In recent years, fishermen have expressed increasing concern about the health of these fisheries. The commercial fishing sector supports taking action against illegal unlicensed fishing and I hope the proposed catch limits will help tackle this issue.”
The Shellfish (Restrictions on taking by unlicensed Fishing Boats) (Scotland) Order 2017 came into force on 17 April 2017 following a consultation on the longstanding issue of unlicensed fishermen sell their catch under the guise of conducting a hobby.
Marine Scotland compliance officers patrol all inshore waters with rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). Officers also make regular visits to fish buyers to ensure they buy from vessels that are registered and hold a valid U.K. fishing vessel license.
