SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Dr Aileen McLeod today (Thursday) welcomed the news that Area VII, which includes the important Irish Sea cockle fishery reopened at midnight last night (Thursday November 3), having been closed for a month.
Dr McLeod was informed of the development during a meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment Richard Lochhead, which she had sought in order to discuss the closure.
Dr McLeod commented: “This is excellent news for the industry, particularly for those vessels which customarily operate out of Kirkcudbright during the winter months, as well as for local processors and all of the other jobs which are supported by fishing.
“I know that a great deal of effort has been put into securing a deal which will allow Scallop fishing to continue in the Irish Sea until the end of the year, when a new quota of fishing effort begins.
“This is truly fantastic news for the local economy and a testament to the hard work going on behind the scenes. I am particularly grateful to Richard Lochhead for his effort and input into getting a resolution to this issue an allowing the industry locally to get back to work.”
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