Question reference: S5W-00056
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 13 May 2016
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Current status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 1 June 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what permissions are required to fish for razor clams in the Firth of Clyde.
Answer
Since 18 August 2014 specific authorisation has been required to fish for, carry or land razor fish in Scotland. This is given in the form of a separate razor fish licence, which is available on application and physical inspection of the vessel.
Electrofishing is prohibited under EU law and could only be licenced in Scotland were the relevant EU regulations repealed or if a specific derogation was applied and granted. Accordingly the Scottish Government has no power at present to licence commercial fishing with electricity.