Wind farms warning for fishing fleet
FISHING leaders have warned the outlook for the industry is “frightening” as a report said more than half of all fishing grounds could be lost to the fleet by 2050.
The worst-case scenario outlined in the Spatial Squeeze in Fisheries report suggests 56 per cent of Scottish waters could be closed to fishing boats.
The report, for the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, warns increasing offshore renewable energy projects are impacting on where boats can fish.
An expansion of marine protected areas will also impact on fishing waters, the report adds.
SFF chief Elspeth Macdonald said: “The outlook is truly frightening.”