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Environment Minister meets islanders over fishing ban fears    11/2/13

Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse is to face island fishermen furiously opposed to any move to impose a fishing ban on the Sound of Barra.

Banning scallop trawlers will devastate the local fishing industry and the islands’ economy he will be told during a tour of the islands this week.

The Scottish Government proposes to introduce restrictions on towing for clams under controversial plans to make the fishing grounds between Barra and South Uist a marine special area of conservation (SAC).

It would allow strict environmental rules to be imposed to safeguard sandbanks, reefs, and common seals in the area.

It says using creel fishing should not be affected but there would be restrictions on scallop fishing on grounds which are vitally important not just for fishermen’s livelihoods but also supports a raft of onshore jobs in shellfish processing factories.

This is Paul Wheelhouse’s first official visit to the Western Isles and it promises to be a firey one.

The issue will arise, amongst others when he meets with the Comhairle and Western Isles Fishermen Association on Tuesday evening.

The council will tell Mr Wheelhouse it backs the local industry’s fight against the Sound of Barra proposal as well as opposing the threat of further potential no-fish zone areas under Marine Protected Areas designations.

On Thursday, Community representatives will to discuss the Sound of Barra controversy with  Mr Wheelhouse in Castlebay.

Later, he will be shown the importance of the fishing grounds in supplying and retaining jobs at the Barratlantic factory at Ardveenish.

Mr Wheelhouse also has visits lined up with crofters and will also hear about Marine Harvest’s plans for expansion.

He will will also meet with Stòras Uibhist and Lochboisdale Amenity Trust.