Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed the news from Marine Scotland that a new days at sea allocation for west coast prawn vessels will be equivalent to 95% of the hours spent at sea between 2009 and 2011.

Changes in the distribution of prawn stocks meant that during 2012 a considerable number of east coast prawn fishermen had to travel to the west coast, which used up the west coast days at sea allocation.

There were fears that the west coast fleet could have used up their allocation as early as August, but the new allocation means these concerns have been addressed. There are also proposals to ensure that any fishermen affected will have the opportunity to take on paid scientific work from the Scottish Government around the west coast fisheries

Dave said: “I am pleased that Marine Scotland and the Scottish Government have been able to negotiate a deal which will see the vast majority of west coast prawn fishermen not being affected by the shift in prawn stock.

“For those who are affected the Government will offer opportunities to get involved in paid scientific work, which should make up much of the shortfall.

“I am glad that this solution has been reached through the efforts of the Scottish Government, but this episode has highlighted the lack of flexibility in the European Common Fisheries Policy. If these regulations were amended so that they could react to sudden shifts in the fish stocks, much anxiety for fishermen could have been averted.”