Marine / HPMA proposal would destroy livelihoods, local skipper warns
SKIPPERS throughout Scotland are urging policymakers in Edinburgh not to push through highly protected marine areas [HPMAs] ‘by the back door’ after the Scottish Government confirmed it will not be taking forward the controversial policy in its current form.
However, many fishermen fear supporters of HPMAs will try their best to usher in the policy through another avenue due to the “vague” wording in the government’s response.
Industry welcomes confirmation that HPMA proposals have been scrapped
Shetland based skipper Mark Anderson said more scientific evidence is required before closed areas are implemented in Scotland’s seas.
“The idea that these closed areas are going to be a Mecca for fish is complete fallacy. It’s a fantasy, that the fish are all going to congregate in one area,” he said.
“It’s based on an ideal, it’s not based on science. Imagine you close a whole heap of places around Shetland for 20 years and half the fleet disappeared; but in that time you found that you had not changed anything in fish density. Where’s that half a fleet that you got rid of? What are those guys doing now?
“I think it would be a great pity to destroy a whole load of livelihoods over hopes, without actual scientific fact and evidence.”
Chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation Elspeth Macdonald added: “Nobody cares more about our marine environment than those who are dependent upon it for their livelihoods and we remain committed, as we have been for many years, to working with the Scottish Government on an approach to marine protection that strikes a balance between conservation and sustainable harvesting.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.