Mingulay conservation

Fears SNH spreading the conservation boundaries too far 4/7/11

Barra fishermen fear Scottish Natural Heritage plans to extend the boundaries of marine protected area beyond the the area covered by current protected habitats and species.

The proposal to impose blanket of conservation rules on the seas around Mingulay has been criticised as a threat to fishermens’ livelihoods.

Worries that the boundaries of the protected area may be spread wider has prompted MSP Alasdair Allan to write to SNH.

He wants fishermen’s views taken into account.

Mr Allan said: “In the on-going debate about this proposed designation I have received a lot of comments from fishermen in Barra and elsewhere about the potential effects of any designation on fishing.

“Much would depend not only on whether the designation happened, but also, if it did, on what form it took and how it was managed.

“There has been some speculation about the likely boundaries of any designation. I have therefore written to SNH to ask what, if any substance there is to this.

“In particular I am keen to know whether they still envisage the boundaries extending beyond the area covered by current protected habitats and species.

“I will be keeping in touch with constituents in Barra about this and other aspects of their concerns.”