Three members of the COAST committee met with the Head of Inshore Fisheries Branch of the Scottish Executive, SNH and a representative of the Clyde Fishermen’s Association. COAST submitted for discussion their proposed Business Plan for the Marine Regeneration Trial within Lamlash Bay. While the Clyde Fishermen’s Association supported the principle of “No Take Zones” their Representative was not in favour of the Plan, as it was proposed. He, however, said it would be discussed at their AGM on the following Saturday and a formal response would be made. Scottish Natural Heritage thought the proposal had some merit but might not be in the best possible location and further research should be carried out. The Inshore Fisheries Branch would not support the Trial unless it had complete consensus from all the inshore commercial fishermen. The Inshore Fishery Branch offered to facilitate any future meetings but offered no other assistance with the project. The Inshore Fishery Branch then outlined their draft proposed management structure for the management within the 12 mile limit. This showed a bottom layer of local stakeholders, while SEERAD’s view is that all inshore fishermen will be key stakeholders, it suggested that there would be a variety of other stakeholders with an interest in inshore fisheries and the marine environment, but they could not identify who these stakeholders might be. COAST requested written comments on their Business Plan from the those present.
After this disappointing meeting with the Scottish Executive on 11th December 2003 it was decided to refocus our efforts on the direction COAST’s campaign will take. Time is not on the side of what is left of the marine environment. The Clyde is now down to two commercial fishery species, of which one provides 90 percent of the revenue.
On a positive note, we felt that we were getting more and more support from the Arran community. We now have a membership of 400. Scottish Natural Heritage, the World Wildlife Fund, RSPB and other environmental NGO’s are also showing considerable support and encouragement.
We have learnt that the management of Inshore Fisheries is being considered for change. At present there has been a 'top down ' approach where the Scottish Executive have, in the main, told fishing the industry how the inshore waters should be fished. Suggestions are being considered that many of the local decisions should be made by local stakeholders. These stakeholders should, we believe, include everybody with an interest in the marine environment, including commercial fishermen, sports fishermen, amateur diver’s, N.G.O’s, environmentalists and local communities. We shall continue to use our and your voice in this consultation process.
We continue with our campaign to encourage media interest. With the forthcoming television programme on BBC2 television on Tuesday 17th February at 7.30pm, BBC radio 4 coverage on Home Planet and national press coverage through the Guardian newspaper we are spreading our message to win the hearts and minds of as many people as we can.
CUMBRAE 6-7 February 2004:
Three members of the COAST committee attended a Fisherman's weekend and conference at the University Marine Biological Station, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, in early February 2004, to continue our dialogue with the fishermen. Although most comments about our project were negative there were some fishermen at the conference who suggested that’ No Take Zones’ should be given a trial.
We continue our discussions with the Politicians. We feel that this is where the real decisions will be made about the future of marine habitats and their management. Our local MSP’s Allan Wilson and Campbell Martin and our MP Brian Wilson have given us encouragement and support. MEP Struan Stephenson, President of the European Fisheries Committee, has also given positive feedback to the project.
NOTHING WILL CHANGE, UNTIL WE CHANGE, we need public and political support. JOIN COAST (free) AND USE YOUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHT TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD. Join our Association by following the membership link on this web site.
HELP! SOS! HELP SAVE OUR SEABED, HELP SAVE OUR SEAS.