The Scottish Government appears to have opened the door to cockle-fishing resuming in the Solway Firth following a concerted campaign by Finlay Carson MSP.
The local constituency MSP has been actively working to see its return in an area long been recognised as one of Scotland’s most productive shellfish areas.
He firmly believes that the “rich history” of cockle fishing that hassupported generations of coastal communities down the years should be resumed as quickly as possible.
The practice has been banned since September 2011 amid concerns around dwindling stocks.
But the Galloway and West Dumfries MSP has long been a supporter and maintains the potential reopening of a vessel-based cockle fishery in his region represents not only an opportunity to revive a once-thriving industry but a chance to deliver sustainable economic growth in a region that faces persistent challenges around rural employment and depopulation.
Mr Carson raised the issue once more at Holyrood on Wednesday when he asked the Scottish Government what engagement its marine directorate has undertaken to progress any plans to reopen boat-based cockle fishery on the Solway.
He told MSPs: “I have worked with local scientists and stakeholders over the past few years, and it is clear that a well-managed boat-based fishery could deliver environmental safeguards, traceability and economic resilience, all while respecting the unique ecology of the Solway.
“With that in mind, will the minister and the Cabinet Secretary agree tomeet me and stakeholders to accelerate the process so that the economic benefit is realised sooner rather than later?"
Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, praised the MSP’s determination to succeed on this specific issue.
He said: “Mr Carson has been pursing the issue for years now – a long time, as far as I am aware – and I spoke to the Cabinet Secretary before she went away on her trip.
“I have been told that arrangements have been made to meet Mr Carson, officials from the marine directorate intend to reconvene a meeting with the party that put forward that cockle proposal and the relevant fishers.”
The minister admitted that opening a fishery was not a “straightforward or quick process”.
He added: “There are aspects of the proposal that has been made that require some clarification, but arrangements are currently being made for such a meeting as Mr Carson has asked for.
“I know that officials and the cabinet secretary will keep Mr Carson updated as that develops.”