Scottish lobsters and crabs have been given extra protection under new conservation measures announced by the Scottish Government yesterday.
Minimum landing sizes have slightly increased for many of the crustaceans in an move to enforce responsible fishing and keep a £26.8million-a-year industry profitable.
The new measures, which also include a reduced maximum landing size for female lobsters and a ban on taking egg-bearing velvet crabs, are due to come into force later this year.
Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing said “Scottish crab and lobster are an important part of the rural economy, fished by almost 1,400 creel vessels around the coast.
“Landings were worth £26.8million to the economy in 2015, helping to support many remote communities.
“These new measures are a forward step in achieving the vision set out in our inshore fisheries strategy, and will contribute to developing a more sustainable, profitable and well-managed inshore fisheries sector in Scotland.”
Mull Fishermen’s Association Secretary Nick Turnbull said: “We welcome the introduction of these new management measures.
“Mull fishermen are in agreement in wanting extra protection for our shellfish stocks, and we are confident these measures will help to promote their future health and sustainability.”