Fishing leaders give MSPs their views on MPAs

MSPs have heard opposing views from the fishing industry on Scotland's 30 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

The introduction of the MPA network, designed to safeguard fragile habitats, is due to start next month.

The rural affairs, climate change and environment committee heard concerns from some fishermen that the management of MPAs would harm their business.

Creel fishermen and scallop divers welcomed limits on some fishing methods such as scallop dredging.

The committee was gathering evidence from the industry on the roll-out of MPAs in places such as the Small Isles and Sound of Barra.

Leaders representing trawler owners and crews from the Clyde and up the west coast to Lochinver said restrictions on fishing grounds in winter would deny boats sheltered waters during stormy weather.

They also criticised Scottish government agency Marine Scotland's consultation on MPAs.

Duncan MacInnes, of the Western Isles Fishermen's Association, said fishermen were not opposed to protecting the seabed, but had concerns about how MPAs would be managed.

Alistair Sinclair, of the Scottish Creel Fishermen's Federation, told MSPs that his sector welcomed the introduction of the protected areas.