Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, today called for all stakeholders, including existing fishermen, to be involved in any new plans to improve the biodiversity of the Clyde. Jamie was speaking in a Members' Debate on plans to bring the Clyde up to Good Environmental Status by 2020. The Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust is campaigning for a new Regulating Order to be introduced to manage the Clyde fisheries.
Speaking in the debate, Jamie said:
“All of us will agree that we want to see the Clyde enjoying as good an environmental status as possible - this is in everyone’s interests. The challenge we face is how to achieve this status while allowing existing fishing activities to continue in a sustainable and appropriate manner.
“The Marine Strategy Framework Directive allows flexibility in its implementation to balance the interests of both nature conservation and sustainable marine harvesting, and this will be crucial. I am very aware of the importance economically to communities in Argyll of the nephrops vessels which currently fish the Clyde waters. These prawn boats have demonstrated that their impact on cod stocks is negligible. Creel fishing is also important and the local artisanal creel fishermen must also be allowed to continue their business.
“I consider it is vital that the Scottish Government, Marine Scotland, and their scientists at all levels, work closely with local fishermen - as well as other stakeholders - so that their practical knowledge can combine with scientific evidence to make that evidence as reliable as possible in the interests of achieving sustainable fisheries and fishing communities in the Clyde.
“The motion also mentions recreational sea fishing, and the Scottish Conservatives are positive about sea angling and the economic benefits it can bring; indeed, I have previously done work with the Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network and commend their efforts. Other parts of my region, like Orkney, offer world-class sea angling opportunities, and it would be fantastic to see that replicated in the Clyde, as well as a return of some of the demersal fish stocks”.