Question reference: S5W-00064
- 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 Roseanna Cunningham on 25 May 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether there has been a significant increase in the number of creels being placed in the South Arran Marine Protected Area following its designation and what proposals it has to regulate any overfishing.
Answer
The South Arran Marine Conservation Order 2015 has in effect created a static gear only fishing area with regard to demersal fisheries. This has caused an increase in creel fishing. There is no evidence of over fishing, and creel fishing has a much lower environmental impact than demersal trawling which it has replaced. Consequently there are no current plans for further regulation. Marine Scotland will continue to monitor the situation.