SSACN - Urgent help required to REVIVE THE CLYDE
The Scottish Government has
received an application for a Regulating Order, which has the intention to
“Revive the Clyde”. If successful, the order submitted by the Sustainable
Inshore Fisheries Trust(SIFT) will restrict prawn trawling in many of the
areas thought to be crucial for the successful recovery of whitefish like Cod
and Haddock.
SSACN would have liked the
proposed areas to be bigger but never the less it could be a great step
forward. In an unprecedented step, the government are testing the water by
seeking public opinion before going into a full public consultation.
We understand that some
members of the dredging and trawling sector are encouraging people to oppose
proposals for change. The government will only proceed to public consultation
if there is a wide showing of public support.
How can you help?
A short email airing your
views could make a huge difference; just a brief comment on why the proposed
changes would be welcome or at least worthy of a formal consultation.
It might be because:
- Closing-off
small parts of the sea to heavy fishing gears will allow fish to have safe
havens where they can breed and grow
- The
Clyde belongs to everyone and we should all have a share in how it is managed
- You
want to have good local angling again!
- You
want to see cod and other finfish back in sufficient numbers to support the
wider local fishing industry
- Heavy
fishing gears like dredges shouldn't be used in sensitive parts of the Clyde
where they cause lasting damage
Please note that any comments
have to be sent in by Monday 18th
January.
Thanks very much in advance –
and feel free to encourage other like-minded colleagues and friends to write in
too.
SSACN TRUSTEES
The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network A registered Scottish
charity Reg No. SC039015
Our work makes a significant and direct contribution to 4 of the
Scottish Government’s strategic objectives – Wealthier and fairer, Smarter,
Healthier, Greener and links directly to its National Outcome 12: “we value and
enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for
future generations.”