MP’s plea to protect targeted trawlers
AN MP has called on the Government to extend the coastal limit of protection for Scots trawlers to 200 miles as part of the new Fisheries Bill.
Alistair Carmichael wants the amendment as a safety net post-Brexit following the harassment of a Shetland boat by a Spanish vessel.
The Pesorsa Dos attempted to cripple the Alison Kay’s propeller but the Maritime and Coastguard Agency was unable to take action as it has no jurisdiction outside of the 12-mile limit.
Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, said: “They are not wrong – that is the current state of the law. If we are serious about managing our fisheries, then it is time to end these unsafe practices.”
“Sooner or later a boat is going to be sunk and lives will be lost. The coastguard or police should be given the powers to stop this.”
Simon Collins, executive officer of the Shetland Fisherman’s Association, added: “It is high time that the UK authorities have the means to enforce maritime safety throughout our waters and thereby enable our vessels to go about their legitimate business peacefully and safely.”
Negotiations over a Brexit trade deal are still deadlocked over EU access to UK coastal waters.