Pilot creel limit scheme proposed for the Outer Hebrides

This would be in a pilot area in waters to the east of the Outer Hebrides from the Butt of Lewis to Barra.

The report states that in recent years across all creel fisheries the numbers of creels fished by vessels has ‘increased dramatically’ with the Catch Per Unit Effort steadily decreasing. 

To compensate for this, many vessels, the report states, have increased the numbers of creels fished in an attempt to maintain previous catch levels, and the report also alleges that large numbers of creels are being set and only periodically hauled to prevent others from fishing in the same area. 

According to the report, the Outer Hebrides Regional Inshore Fisheries Group (OHRIFG) believes that a pilot pot limitation scheme will help reverse decreasing catch per unit effort rates.

The scheme could also help reduce gear conflict between static and mobile gear vessels, prevent gear being placed on the ground to stop others from fishing, help to improve health and safety in the industry and will encourage the fishing industry to take a more responsible role in the management of the marine environment by taking an active role in the policing of creel restrictions, according to OHRIFG.

With support from the OHRIFG and from local static gear fishermen, Marine Scotland agreed that a Pilot Pot Limitation Scheme be developed and to ascertain whether an electronic tracking system could accurately monitor static gear fishing activity and manage a pot limitation scheme. 

A number of scheme areas are currently being developed by Marine Scotland Policy, Marine Scotland Science and Marine Scotland Compliance, the report confirms, with the expectation that a scheme will be operational for the first 40 vessels by November 1, 2020. 

Vessels with a track record of fishing in the pilot area will be eligible to apply to the Inshore Fisheries Pilot and Marine Scotland to fish in the protected area and for those not eligible for the scheme shellfish licences will be amended to prohibit vessels from the pilot area.

The report states that although it was important to limit vessels and creel numbers within the pilot area consideration will be given to skippers with existing financial commitments to purchase a vessel for the area and also that first time owner skippers have a chance to develop into the industry. In these circumstances entry to the pilot area will be considered on a case by case basis.