Western Isles MSP welcomes consultation on nephrops managment measures

Western Isles  MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed the launch of a Scottish Government consultation on new control and management measures for the Scottish Nephrops, Crab and Lobster fisheries, and called on island fishermen to consider submitting their own responses to the consultation.

Dr Allan commented:

“Last year the Scottish fleet landed 20,943 tonnes of Nephrops by trawl with a value of £70 million, and a further 1,698 tonnes by creel with a value of £14 million, making this the second most valuable catch sought by Scotland’s fishermen.

“Creel boats also landed 9,785 tonnes of brown crab, 2,285 tonnes of velvet crab, and 1,244 tonnes of lobster, with a combined value of £30.5 million, so these fisheries are highly important to both the local and national economy.

“This consultation seeks views on the introduction of new management measures in the Nephrops, Crab and Lobster Fisheries, and on whether the minimum landing size of west coast Nephrops should be increased. I would urge all those with an interest in these fisheries to contribute to this consultation process.”

// //

// ]]>

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles