Fisheries

The critically endangered flapper skate is to gain further protection following the urgent designation of a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) within the Inner Sound of Skye.

The site will protect a nationally important flapper skate egg nursery area, which is the largest of its kind to be identified in Scotland.

The winners of Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS (Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills) were announced on Thursday 4^th March at a special virtual ceremony.

Streamlining export processes, fixing IT systems and resolving trade issues with the EU must be urgent priorities for a new UK Government led seafood export taskforce, Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing has said.

Speaking ahead of the first meeting of the Scottish Seafood Export Taskforce on Friday, Mr Ewing outlined areas where the industry has faced challenges since the end of the EU Exit Transition Period. He said the taskforce’s focus must be on:  

A new £7.75 million funding package will offer support to fishermen, seafood businesses and ports and harbours threatened by the ongoing effects of coronavirus (COVID-19) and EU Exit.

The package includes:

Additional advisers will be appointed to help provide seafood businesses with support on new paperwork and processes following the end of the EU Exit Transition Period.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has called on the UK Government to bolster support for Scotland’s struggling seafood sector.

Following a series of meetings with seafood businesses and organisations this week, the Cabinet Secretary has asked for:

A new 12-point action plan will support Scotland’s ambition to be a world class fishing nation and ensure responsible and sustainable fisheries management.  

More than 200 jobs will be created through the development of a new deep water terminal in the Outer Hebrides.

Initial work will begin on the Stornoway Deep Water Terminal with Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing confirming £49 million investment from a number of partners to strengthen transport links and support a range of diverse industries in the Western Isles. 

Wholesale food and drink businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are to be supported through a new £5 million fund.