Minister announces new conservation measures to protect scallop stocks and jobs

SCALLOP stocks are to be protected through new conser vation measures announced by the Fisheries Secretary.

Following a consultation, the Scottish Government will put new measures in place to improve the management of the scallop stocks.

Richard Lochhead said: “The scallop sector is very important to many of our local communities and these management measures coming into force will help secure the long-term sustainability of the stock.

“Scottish vessels landed £32 million worth of king scallops in 2013 and helped to sustain jobs in some of our most rural communities.”

The minimum landing size of scallops will be increased from 100mm to 105mm for most of the Scottish coast.

This is expected to help protect the breeding stock of scallops and lead to an increase in yield and egg production.

As well as an increase in the minimum landing size in most areas, restrictions will be placed on the number of dredges that scallop vessels are allowed to tow in inshore waters.

The standard restriction will limit vessels to eight dredges per side in inshore waters. There will be no change to the current restrictions outside 12 nautical miles.

These new measures are due to take effect in spring next year.