Scottish fishermen have voiced their strong opposition to any kind ofNational Coastal and Marine Park. The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) said yesterday (Wednesday) that any potential benefits of a marine national park have not been properly explained.
The SFF does not believe it would deliver any particular advantages. At present, ten Scottish areas are being considered for the location of the park including Shetland.
Chief executive of the Shetland Fisherman’s Association Hansen Black said: “We are very much opposed to any kind of national marine park. “No benefits would come out of this, but there would be plenty of threats. There is the potential to set down environmental criteria that would affect fisheries.
“A national park would add significant cost. No one has looked at that. Shetland would have to generate a huge amount of tourism to go near a break even point. We do not want another white elephant.”
A recent meeting of the Scottish Parliament's Environment and Rural Development Committee heard that the Scottish marine environment was in excellent health.
Source: Shetland Marine