News / Scallop survey
A SURVEY of scallop stocks around Shetland will be undertaken over the next fortnight.
Marine Scotland will undertake 30-minute dredge hauls at sites around the isles which have been previously surveyed.
Staff from the government body will be in Shetland from Thursday (25 January) through to 7 February.
It aims to age, measure and assess damage on the scallops caught, while it will also collect information on by-catch of other commercial fish and shellfish specifies.
Another of the government body’s objectives is to identify, quantify numbers and assess damage of starfish species in all dredge tows, while it will also undertake filming of the dredges using a Go-Pro camera.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This annual survey, which collects data on the abundance of scallops around Shetland, is part of Marine Scotland’s on-going research into inshore fisheries that supports the assessment of stock and the provision of sustainable fisheries management advice.”
The study comes just a matter of weeks after a row broke out between the fishing industry and a marine conservation organisation over the impact of scallop dredging on the seabed and the environment.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.