Marine Scotland: Red Rocks and Longay stakeholder meeting summary - West Coast Regional Inshore Fisheries Group (WCRIFG) - 22 November 2021

Minutes from the Marine Scotland Red Rocks and Longay stakeholder meeting on 22 November 2021.


Attendees and apologies

Attendees

  • West Coast Regional Inshore Fisheries Group (WCRIFG) 
  • NatureScot
  • Marine Scotland

Items and actions

Agenda

  • welcome and introductions
  • background on Red Rocks and Longay MPA
  • update on latest flapper skate surveys
  • proposed extended boundary
  • next steps and consultation
  • discussion – question/comments on presentation and document provided

General points

  • WCRIFG noted that there was a greater concentration of eggs within the new designated area and it is important that these eggs are protected
  • WCRIFG had no issues with the existing measures and felt that they were good and necessary to manage future stocks

Boundaries

  • WCRIFG thinks the boundaries are fair and Marine Scotland have shown clear and fair rationale
  • WCRIFG felt it was mostly lobster and crab fishers who may be affected by the increased site, however it was suggested that this would not affect the lobster fishers as much because of the depth of water

Other considerations

  • WCRIFG queried potential future research methods and working with research institutions such as Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
  • NatureScot and Marine Scotland noted research and monitoring of flapper skate continues and future information on this site will help us understand skate life history better

Marine Scotland asked for any further comments to be submitted by Monday 29.

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