Arran NTZ – Still waiting

after all these (nearly 14) years.

In February this year the Scottish Government has issued a Statutory Instrument (SSI) to prohibit all fishing for sea fish within Lamlash Bay, Isle of Arran, regardless of the method of fishing employed and was hailed by all, including politicians and the commercial sector, as a massive conservation step forward  -

• Patrick Stewart, of the Clyde Fisherman’s Association, saying it had been important “to show that the fishing industry can work with environmental interests”;
• Mr Lochhead saying “ the initiative was a fantastic example of what can be achieved by working together.”

However, it appears these were only words. COAST campaigners say working to bring it to fruition has ground to a halt and Howard Wood, chairman of COAST, has said “I want to call into question the government’s commitment to the overall project. I think the civil servants are only interested in fisheries management and I also have to question the commitment of the minister, Richard Lochhead.

“Nothing has happened at all. There’s just a complete lack of action. What really annoys us is that apart from some leaflets made by Coast, there is nothing explaining the boundary of the no-take zone, not even one interpretation board up.”

It would appear that meetings have been cancelled at the last minute are being held over until the Clyde Inshore Fishery Group (IFG) is in place.

What makes this really questionable is that the IFG Executive will only comprise of commercial representatives, there being no place for recreational or conservational interests.

Mr Wood went on to question how the government would be able to implement a whole network of marine conservation areas, as promised in the new Scottish Marine Bill saying “If they can’t implement a very simple community marine protection area, what chance have they got of managing to fulfil their commitments? They have got absolutely no chance.”

Arran was once renowned for its recreational angling, with hundreds of sea anglers flocking to the island for its annual fish festival. That was only two decades ago when cod, haddock, hake, dab, plaice and turbot were plentiful in the waters of the Firth of Clyde.

According to our economic study in 2006, the total depletion of those stocks is costing the island over £2 million/yr in lost tourism income.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We remain committed to marine management and consider Marine Protected Areas a key nature conservation tool. The fishing industry has been made aware of the Lamlash Bay designation and is adhering with the no-take restrictions.”

She added that the government was in continuing discussions with Coast about the proposed signposting.

Category: SSACN Announcements