Scotland's inshore seas have suffered significant declines through the 20th century, and we are now at a point where the fisheries that remain target the limited shellfish which are fished for in ways that are highly damaging to the integrity of the marine ecosystem. In 2015 a network of Marine Protected Areas were designated, and although this appeared to be a strong progressive move, it has mostly resulted in paper parks. Over half of the sites have no management measures in place at all and sadly violation of the laws that do exist are relatively common.
In this webinar Phil Taylor, Head of Policy and Operations at the Open Seas Trust, shares his experience and knowledge regarding illegal fishing practices in Scotland's seas, and explores solutions to the issues presented. Phil also expands on the work of the Open Seas Trust, a small charity working to shine a light on these damaging practices and put pressure on the seafood industry and the government to improve the way the activities take place.
