This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Protected shellfish waters
30/06/2005
Ten new areas are to be designated for shellfish farming
to ensure protection of their water quality, it was
announced today.
The designations increase the number of protected
shellfish waters from 104, indicating the increased
importance of the industry.
Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development,
Rhona Brankin, said:
"The Shellfish industry in Scotland is a good example of
sustainable development, providing jobs in some of the
country's most remote locations. Having good marine water
quality gives Scotland a competitive edge when marketing
mussels, oysters and scallops to the rest of the world.
"Designating these ten additional sites will protect
both the shellfish that grow in these areas, and the other
flora and fauna, which depend on the water
environment."
Under the 1997 Regulations, which implement the
Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC) in Scotland,
measures are required to both protect and improve the
waters that sustain shellfish life, and contribute to the
quality of shellfish for human consumption.
Following the recent consultation exercise, an
additional 10 waters are to be designated for protection
under the Surface Water
(Shellfish)(Classification)(Scotland) Regulations 1997.
The following ten areas, described in detail in the
consultation paper, will be designated as shellfish
waters:
- Askinish Bay, Argyll and
Bute
- Basta Voe, Yell, Shetland
- Clift Sound, Shetland
- Dales Voe, Shetland
- Dornoch Firth, Highland
- Isle of Ulva, Mull (Loch Tuath),
Argyll and Bute
- Loch An Eisg-Brachaidh, Enard Bay
Highland
- Loch Crinan, Argyll and Bute
- Loch Eil, Highland
- Mid Yell Voe, Shetland
The Scottish Executive consulted on list of possible
new designations in January 2005. The major purpose of the
consultation was to confirm the accuracy of the proposed
designations, and the final list of new designations takes
account of the comments received.
The consultation paper, which contains full details of
the new designations can be found at
www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/environment/pswes-00.asp.
Copies of the list of new designations can be obtained
from:
Ms Fiona Watt
Water Division
Scottish Executive
Area 1- H, Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Tel 0131 244 0215
Fax 0141 244 0245
E-mail:
fiona.m.watt@scotland.gsi.gov.uk