Condensed from an article by Craig Robertson in the Dumfries Standard.

A NEW code of conduct has been launched to minimise gear conflicts between static and mobile fishing in Luce Bay and Wigtown Bay.

Many interested groups including members of the Galloway Static Gear Fishermen’s Association, scallop boat skippers who work in the area and local business people were consulted with Marine Scotland, local harbourmasters and fishery interests from as far afield as the Isle of Man all making a positive contribution.

John King of Kirkcudbright based West Coast Sea Products said: “The commercial fishing sector in Scotland is facing a wide range of pressures. The last thing we want is to create further pressures within the industry if this can be avoided.

Andrew Lochhead of Galloway Static Gear Fishermen’s Association said: “There are livelihoods at stake here. There needs to be give and take on both sides and getting all interests together in the way we have can only help.

The code has intentionally been made as simple as possible and has been distilled to five points covering key actions needed from both sides:

1. Scallopers will give prior notice of intention to start working in the area to appropriate static gear contacts
2. Scallopers will not start working a new area before 8am
3. Static gear will be clearly marked with brightly coloured buoys or dhan flags
4. Static gear ropes will be kept as short as possible
5. Non fishing static gear will not be stored on the seabed

Copies of the code are now available at harbours around the Solway as well as the Isle of Man, Wales and Northern Ireland from the Solway Firth Partnership.

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1. Solway under the spotlight
2. English and Welsh anglers to help manage fisheries