Marine / ‘Spatial squeeze’ to be raised in parliament as Wishart leads fishing debate
SHETLAND MSP Beatrice Wishart will lead a debate later today (Tuesday) on the opportunities and challenges facing Scotland’s fishing sector.
In this debate she will call on the Scottish Government to address the issue of “spatial squeeze” – the competition between fishermen and offshore energy infrastructure, such as cables, for space in Scotland’s waters.
Wishart is calling on the Scottish Government to continue to explore with the relevant industries designated cable corridors as a means of addressing spatial squeeze and promoting co-operation.
She will also highlight that the Scottish Government has not devoted parliamentary time to discussing fishing since 2022, her party the Lib Dems said.
It comes as two large offshore wind farms are proposed to the east of Shetland, which has brought significant concern from the local fishing industry.
Wishart said: “I want to bring to parliament an issue that is hugely important to our island and coastal communities in Shetland and across Scotland.
“It is disappointing that the government has given so little parliamentary time to this issue. Fishing contributes hundreds of millions to Scotland’s economy every year but those who bravely take to the water and harvest this bounty are feeling ever more squeezed.
“Dangerous behaviour from foreign vessels, and competition for space from offshore infrastructure are all playing their part.
“I know that fishermen are determined to play a constructive part in resolving these issues but it should not be the fishing sector that pays the price of a ‘just transition’ to renewable energy.
“The Scottish Government should be working towards a fair co-existence between fishing, energy and environmental interests.”
The item is scheduled to be heard in parliament after 2pm.
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