AN MSP has written to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) blasting their “distant and ill-informed” decision to extend submarine ranges off Scotland’s west Highland coast – amid warnings that the local prawn fishing industry could see earnings plummet by as much as 20 per cent.
Gail Ross, the newly-elected SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross has appealed to defence minister Philip Dunne to think again.
The restrictions, which were signed into effect with a recent byelaw, will result in fishing vessels being banned from operating in a sea area ten times the size of the city of London.
The new ban is in addition to the 25 square kilometres which the MoD has already designated as off-limits.
An economic impact assessment commissioned by the MoD itself showed that the changes could cost the local fishing industry up to £600,000 a year in lost earnings.
Firms in the area have predicted that several fishermen will be forced out of business.
In her letter to Dunne Ross wrote: “It is hugely disappointing that the Ministry of Defence took the decision to advance the extension of the Raasay Ranges – in the face of overwhelming evidence that this will likely have a negative impact upon the local fishing fleet in terms of lost earnings or, worse, lost livelihoods.
“I urge you to look closely at the case for reversing this decision.”
Ross goes on to ask for the minister’s “personal assurance” that his department will monitor the economic impact of the decision over the coming months and provide updates for the MSP to pass on to her constituents.
In the letter, Ross asks whether Dunne will reconsider reversing the increase in restricted water space if the MoD’s resulting assessment shows a greater adverse impact than previously anticipated.
She also asks what compensation has been offered to those affected by the new byelaw.
Commenting on the letter, Ross said: “Sadly there still exists an assumption that the MoD can sweep in, issue an edict from on high and expect a local community to willingly accept at least a 20 per cent hit to their earnings with no questions asked.
“That’s an absolute nonsense, and people living in the Highlands won’t stand for it.
“The distant and ill-informed approach of defence bosses in this case begs serious questions.
“The MoD has written off a potentially devastating £600,000 in lost earnings to the local industry as insignificant – mere small change.
“But in actual fact, we’re talking about people’s entire way of life – their livelihood based around a vital local industry.
“The stark reality – and we’ve heard this straight from local fishermen – is that new restrictions might mean game over.
Ross continued: “Long gone are the days when the MoD could just please themselves, treating the west Highlands like a wild west shooting range.
“That’s why I’ve written to the defence minister asking him to think again about the decision taken to put more of Scotland’s seas on-limits to Royal Navy submarines, but off-limits to Applecross fishermen.”
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