Forbes to scrap fishing ban if voted FM

SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes will scrap controversial government plans to ban all forms of fishing in swathes of Scotland’s seas, and devolve marine powers to councils, if she is elected First Minister.

 

Until April 17, the Scottish Government is consulting on plans to ban commercial and recreational fishing in 10 per cent of Scotland’s seas by 2026. The highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) are designed to enhance protection for fragile ecosystems.

 

The Minister for Environment and Land Reform, the SNP MSP Mairi McAllan, explained: "We all recognise the urgency of action to address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. So, it is right we lead the way in creating a coherent network of these protected areas for our most valuable ecosystems."

 

The plan has split opinion within the SNP. On March 20 Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil said "the whole scheme should be put in a recycling dustbin.

 

"It is driven by people who don’t understand the issues.

 

“I will write to the Scottish Government urging a re-think on these damaging proposals and I hope that the strength of feeling from island communities is relayed in the consultation.

 

"I will certainly encourage any new First Minister to ditch this dangerous bill."

 

The next day, Ms Forbes, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said the current HPMA proposals were “an example of how not to do government”.

 

She said: “As I understand it, no other EU country has implemented HPMAs and there is no evidence to demonstrate that they actually achieve their aims.

 

"The current plans will have a disproportionate socio-economic impact on our island and coastal communities, and could impact work being done in other parts of government to reverse population decline.

 

"There is concern from all corners of the fishing and processing sector, with potential implications reaching beyond fishing into small scale and community-led renewables, harbour infrastructure, and marine tourism to name a few.

 

“I cannot understand why anyone, particularly when we are deliberately trying to stem depopulation in rural areas, thought it would be a good idea to take such a blanket approach. Our food and drink sector is a success story. Our overseas exports reached record high levels in 2022, but these proposals would decimate the seafood industry.

 

“Across government, we have to look at cumulative impact, rather than work in a silo. This current consultation illustrates the perils of poor engagement with communities and the rural economy. It’s an example of how not to do government. And it is also an example of what I want to do differently."

 

She explained: “Local communities are often the ones most affected by changes in marine ecosystems, and they can provide valuable knowledge and insight into the health of local fish stocks and other marine resources, and a more tailored approach could also improve monitoring and enforcement.

 

“We have a range of expertise in coastal communities, and I believe they are better placed to manage marine protection designations and inshore fisheries in a way that balances conservation objectives with socio-economic considerations.

 

“I would commission a feasibility study into giving councils more power to ensure marine protection designations are effectively implemented and enforced, and ideally consult on which of Marine Scotland’s statutory responsibilities could be more effectively delivered by local authorities."

 

On Tuesday Ariane Burgess MSP, Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands & Islands, raised the issues of HPMAs in Parliament. During the session on March 21, several MSPs discussed the evidence underpinning the policy which is currently open for consultation.

 

Speaking after the debate, Ms Burgess said: “The evidence is clear that no-take zones, such as that already operating at Lamlash Bay on Arran, benefit fish, fishers and communities.

 

"A hectare of protected no-take zone produces five times the quantity of fish of unprotected areas; so HPMAs offer an opportunity to benefit both fishers and fish, as well as providing much-needed protected habitat to enable nature to recover and thrive."

 

Welcoming the discussion of the experience of the community at Lamlash Bay on Arran, Ariane raised the positive experiences of other UK and international examples and urged the Scottish Government to learn from those areas, adding: “In England's Lundy Island No Take Zone, there is evidence of increased tourism spend, and of larger lobsters which benefit the nearby shellfish fishery and there is more learning to be gained from further afield.

 

"I was glad to receive reassurance that the Scottish Government is in communication with other territories such as New Zealand and Australia, to learn how their fisheries and tourism are benefitting from no-take zones.”