Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead is expected to make an announcement on controversial management measures for marine protected areas (MPAs) off the west coast either today or tomorrow.
He sparked a furious reaction when he unveiled his proposals, affecting 11 inshore MPAs and nine special areas of conservation, in June.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said they went far beyond the “proportionate and evidential approach” that was promised for the management of MPAs.
Public meetings have been held in west coast fishing communities amid fears the Scottish Government’s plans will spell the end for their livelihoods.
Fishing chiefs have called Mr Lochhead’s failure to deliver measures which reflect the outcome of a consultation a “breach of trust”.
The minister had previously said the impact in the vast majority of cases would mean only “modest” changes to fishing patterns.”
Earlier this year, Mallaig skipper Willie John McLean said he was considering quitting the fishing industry because of the potential impact of the new management measures.
“I really do wonder if it is worth continuing,” he added.
Speaking on the sidelines of this week’s fishing talks in Brussels, Mr Lochhead said: “Clearly, there is an ongoing debate over the economic impact.
Confirming an imminent announcement, he added: “I said I would listen to the evidence and I have done that.”