McArthur calls on Government to act to protect vital Orkney fishery

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur today called on the Scottish Government to take steps to protect a “valuable and sustainable local fishery.” 

During Rural Affairs Questions, Mr. McArthur pressed the Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Gougeon to commit to ensuring that Scapa Flow is confirmed as a Designated Mud Area amid fears that its exclusion would effectively close the important local prawn fishery.   

Orkney’s MSP, who has had ongoing correspondence with the Cabinet Secretary on the issue, recently hosted a meeting in Kirkwall with local fishing industry representatives and Marine Directorate officials. In the Chamber, Mr. McArthur confirmed that the Scottish Government has been provided with all the necessary data needed to complete the designation of Scapa Flow as a mud area.    

Commenting afterwards, Liam McArthur said:   

“The failure to designate Scapa Flow presents serious risks to an important and sustainable local prawn fishery in Orkney. The decision also appears out of step with the approach the Scottish Government has taken in relation to designations in other areas with very similar seabed conditions. 

“Local fishermen and the Orkney Fisheries Association could not have done more in presenting data that supports their case. It is now imperative that the Cabinet Secretary and her officials complete their consideration of this evidence and confirm the designation of Scapa Flow as a mud area as quickly as possible.”