Written Question · S1W-06334 · Session 1
Whether two fishing nets joined together by whatever means, be it shackle, length of rope or piece of netting, still constitute two nets an…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether two fishing nets joined together by whatever means, be it shackle, length of rope or piece of netting, still constitute two nets and must therefore be rigged with 100mm mesh si'e, or whether two nets thus joined become a single net and may therefore be rigged with 70mm mesh si'e and, if the latter, whether such a practice is in line with conservation guidelines.
The answer
The Executive is currently working to develop a suitable definition that will clarify whether a trawl shall be considered to be a single trawl or a multiple trawl so that fishermen know which size of mesh must be used in the cod end of the net. The Executive will issue this definition as soon as practicable, either as formal guidance or in forthcoming legislation. It is the intention of the Executive that any definition so issued should assist the aims of conservation.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-06334 by reference.