Support for mechanical harvesting of kelp ban

The Scottish Government has announced it will back proposals to ban the mechanical harvesting of kelp in Scotland’s waters.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham confirmed her support for the plan to prohibit the practice, as outlined in the Scottish Crown Estate Bill.

Ms Cunningham made the statement yesterday in response to Scottish Green MSP John Finnie ahead of a final debate on the Bill today. The proposal was initially brought after more than 10,000 people backed a petition against the practice. An amendment made by the Scottish Green Party’s Environment spokesman Mark Ruksell MSP was approved last month.

Ms Cunningham said: “We recognise kelp is an important part of our marine biodiversity and, having considered amendments to the Crown Estate Bill, we intend to support Mark Ruskell’s amendment, although there are clarifications and qualifications that require to be made.

“It is our view commercial use should not extend to power stations or commercial ports or other, similar public infrastructure being prevented from removing kelp species.”