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The Economic Impact of Algal Toxin Closures on Shellfish Dependent Communities on the Scottish Coast and Implications for the Sector's Future Structure
1 INTRODUCTION
This Report presents an assessment of the economic impact of algal toxin closures on shellfish dependent communities on the Scottish coast and implications for the sector's future structure. The study was commissioned by the Fisheries and Rural Development Group of the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department.
1.1
STUDY OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to assess the economic impact of algal toxin closures on shellfish dependent communities on the Scottish coast and implications for the sector's future. Four key objectives were identified for the study:
To investigate how the Scottish shellfish industry has been affected by the closures and new circumstances;
To identify the scale, nature, and location of any negative economic impacts on Scottish shellfish dependent communities in general and for farmers, catchers, divers and processors in particular;
To consider the implications for the Scottish shellfish sector of future restrictions on fishing, processing and harvesting, including prospective changes in toxin monitoring and testing and the opportunities offered in roe-off scallop products; and
To define any parts of the Scottish industry where the provision of targeted restructuring support would be of most benefit in the short, medium, and longer term.
1.2
STUDY METHOD
The methods employed to meet the study objectives included:
Analysis of vessel and landings data produced by SEERAD;
Review of previous studies undertaken on the Scottish Scallop sector;
Face-to-face and telephone survey interviews with:
Scallop harvesters and farmers;
Scallop processors;
Representative groups including the Scallop Association, Scottish Shellfish Growers' Association, Scottish Fishermen' Federation, Local Fishermen's Associations, Fish Processor's Associations, Development Agencies including HIE, Local Authorities, SFIA, SEPA, and Food Standards Agency.
1.3
STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT
Chapter 2 provides a mapping of the scallop sector covering the scale, location and value of the sector. This provides the basis for understanding how the sector operates.
Chapter 3 reports on the industry's response to the bans and
Chapter 4 estimates the economic impact of the closures. Finally,
Chapter 5 considers the future of the sector and makes recommendations regarding possible future targeted support.
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