Highlands and Islands Regional MSP Donald Cameron has written to the Scottish Government to request compensation for local fishermen who have been banned from dredging, trawling, and creeling for shellfish in the Clyde fishing grounds.
Mr Cameron had been contacted by a number of fishermen concerned about their livelihoods after the ban was announced.
Donald Cameron MSP said: “While there may be justified reasons for the 11 week ban, there is certainly no justification for imposing it without having a compensation scheme in place.
“Moreover, there is real anger among the fishing communities at the lack of evidence provided by ministers, and their failure to properly consult.
“Fishermen cannot afford to have their activities restricted and their income jeopardised in this arbitrary way, and I hope that the minister will very quickly put this right.
“I am also seeking a response to concerns about the knock-on effects this ban may have on other sensitive areas if the boats move elsewhere, which is all the more likely given the lack of financial support.”
