UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Background

Shellfish fisheries make an important contribution to Shetland’s fishing industry and to the islands’ economy in general. Some shellfish stocks in Shetland waters are known to have been over-fished in the past, as a result of which their stocks have collapsed and the contribution they can now make to the local economy is drastically reduced. A number of other species are currently showing some indications that they may be becoming over-exploited, although there is no clear evidence of this as yet, Shetland’s shellfish fisheries have seen a significant increase in fishing effort in recent years and it appears that this increase will continue in the future, in the absence of any controls.

There is widespread concern in Shetland that a continued uncontrolled increase in shellfish fishing effort will result in the over-exploitation of further local shellfish stocks, leading to stock collapses and associated social and economic impacts. In addition, it is recognised the fisheries for some species which have been over-exploited in the past would benefit from stock enhancement measures, but only within a suitable regulatory framework.

The Shetland Regulating Order

To address these issues the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation Ltd. has been established to apply for and administer a Regulating Order with the aims of maintaining and improving Shetland’s shellfish fisheries, and thus contributing to the long-term sustainability of this local industry

The SSMO is a non-profit making company made up of representatives from:-

Shetland Fishermen’s Association - 4

Shetland Islands Council - 2

Scottish Natural Heritage - 1

North Atlantic Fisheries College - 1

Association of Shetland Community Councils - 1

Shetland Fish Processors Association -1

The Aim of the Order

A Regulating Order is sought to provide for the maintenance and improvement of the fisheries for crabs, lobsters, scallops, queen scallops, whelks, razorshells, cockles, clams, oysters and mussels within six miles of Shetland’s coast.

The Management Plan

The fishing for shellfish will be controlled by a permit scheme. Anyone wishing to fish for shellfish within the six-mile limit of Shetland will need a ‘Shetland Permit’. The permit will only be given to fishermen who can demonstrate a track record of fishing in Shetland. The result of such a measure is to ‘cap’ the number of fishermen fishing around Shetland.

The amount of available new permits for new entrants will depend on scientific advise from the North Atlantic Fisheries College.

Additional stock management measures such as gear restrictions, closed areas etc. may be used in future years if the SSMO feel that it is necessary.

Scientific Research

Scientific research will form the basis of all management decisions regarding the Shetland Regulating Order. This scientific work will be carried out locally by the North Atlantic Fisheries College in Scalloway. At the moment scientific data on shellfish stocks is limited and little or no stock assessment work is currently carried out. A comprehensive and ongoing stock research programme will be carried out which will be fully utilised in stock management decisions.

Consultation

The SSMO is representative of all interested parties in the welfare of shellfish stocks in Shetland and has held meetings with the Shetland community. The proposals have received support from all over Shetland.

The Advantages

The proposals are based on the idea that national shellfish regulations do not go far enough to safeguard stocks. The introduction of regional, localised fisheries management, controlled by local organisations for the benefit of the local economy can only be seen as a benefit.