Orkney shellfish are to be better protected through new conservation measures announced by Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead yesterday.
The move follows a 12-week consultation by the Scottish Government, which will use ideas developed by the fishing industry to improve the management of stocks.
From early next year, the minimum landing size for velvet crabs will increase from 65 to 70 millimetres, or from about 2.5 to 2.75 inches.
The smallest lobster that can be brought ashore will also increase slightly, while a new minimum landing size of 2.75 inches for green grabs and a restriction on the landing of egg-bearing velvet crabs will also be introduced.
It is hopes the changes will help protect breeding stocks and increase yields and egg production.
Mr Lochhead said: “Shellfish are highly important to the Orkney economy, with local fishermen catching £7million worth on average each year.
“The new measures being introduced will help to protect some of their most valuable crab and lobster stocks.
“Along with similar ones now in effect in the Outer Hebrides, these measures demonstrate how government and local fishing interests can work together to bring forward sustainable management for Scotland’s inshore fisheries.”
Orkney Sustainable Fisheries chairman Stewart Crichton said: “Research has shown that increasing minimum landing size can have a significant impact on abundance of stock.
“I also think it offers a distinct marketing advantage, particularly at times of over-supply, and in turn will ensure better prices for fishermen.”
Orkney Fisheries Association secretary Fiona Matheson added: “The association is working to improve prices for fishermen and also ensure a healthy abundant stock is there to fish.
“Increasing the minimum landing size is one tool to achieving that end which we have been glad to support and promote with support from our membership.”