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Scallop ban 'ruining fishermen'

Scallop fishing was banned two months ago in waters as far north as Cape Wrath to the islands of Islay and Jura after unusually high levels of the toxin Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning were found in samples.

Some local boats have not been able to put to sea for weeks because they are not equipped to fish in unfamiliar waters.

Processors on islands like Mull have had to lay off staff, and local restaurants and fish shops have lost out on scallop sales during the vital tourist season.

The Mallaig and North West Fisherman's Association has called for more money to be spent on researching how the toxin occurs.

Association Secretary Hugh Allen is calling on the Scottish Executive to temporarily change some licences to allow scallop boats to fish for prawns.

He said: "It is not so much the fact that the toxins are in the water. The toxins are absorbed by the shell fish and it remains in their system.

"It is not until the problem is entirely clear that the scientists will be happy to lift the ban."

In the longer term, he wants ministers to provide compensation through European structural funds.

He said the association must support the ban on grounds of public health but warned that the industry now risks losing its markets to poorer quality imports.

Relevant Stories

Scallops ban after poison discovery (19 Jul 99 | Health)

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