A PUBLIC consultation on plans to protect one of Scotland's most important fisheries is to take place in Troon.

Proposals are being drawn up for two new 'fisheries management plans' (FMPs) for nephrops, which are more commonly known as Norway lobsters, langoustines, scampi, or Dublin bay prawns.

Nephrops, along with prawns and other crustaceans, account for the vast majority of landings by the fishing fleet on the Firth of Clyde.

But concerns over the long-term sustainability of nephrops fishing, and the wider fishing industry, on the Clyde date back decades, and a ban on 'bottom trawling', affecting nephrops trawlers and scallop dredgers, was introduced in 2022. 

A 'no take zone' has also been in place in Lamlash Bay, off Arran's east coast, since 2008.

Now Seafish, a public body supporting the UK seafood industry, is working with the Scottish Marine Directorate, nephrops stakeholders, and four special steering groups to identify the challenges of the fisheries, shape future management objectives and support the drafting of the FMPs for North Sea and West Coast of Scotland waters.

The Troon consultation event will take place at the South Beach Hotel on Sunday, April 14.

 

Ayr Advertiser: Nephrops are amongst the country's most important fisheries and the Fisheries Management Plans will

Lewis Tattersall, head of fisheries management at Seafish, said: "Nephrops are amongst the country’s most important fisheries. The development of an FMP is an incredible opportunity to look towards the future and explore new ways of managing our fisheries.

"Our experience to date in FMP development projects is that they work best when a diverse range of stakeholders with different views can come together and work constructively."

Under the Fisheries Act 2020, the UK is creating 43 separate FMPs to guarantee the sustainable and effective management of fish stocks.

The FMPs will offer a blueprint for fisheries management, with objectives based on scientific evidence to restore or maintain sustainable stock levels.

In-person and online events are being held across Scotland, north-east England and Northern Ireland to engage stakeholders in the Nephrops fisheries industry.

This is an opportunity for commercial and recreational fishers, seafood processors and wholesalers to learn about FMPs and have their say in the future of Nephrops fisheries.

The Troon event on April 14 will be held at the South Beach Hotel, 73 South Beach, from 3pm to 5pm.