Mull Aquaculture & Fisheries Meeting

29th November 2005 Craignure Hall 8.00pm

Note of Meeting

Present:

Calum MacLean, Cameron MacLean, A. MacLean, Richard Lawson, Robert Lawson, Allan MacLean, Alastair Mackie, Douglas Wilson, Geoff Kidd, Andy Durie, Donald Munro, Steven Paterson, David Munro, Douglas Reid, Shaun Braid, Euan Slowik, Geoffrey Gallagher, Paul Gallagher, A. MacLean, Andrew Cameron, Gordon Turnbull, Nick Turnbull, Sally Davies.

In Attendance :  Councillor MacDougall (Argyll & Bute Council), James Hilder (Mull & Iona Community Trust)

Prior to the full meeting starting, Councillor MacDougall sought comments from those present on Pier Dues and Landing Dues. This is because the Council have now appointed an officer to monitor Craignure, Fionnphort and Bunessan Piers and collect landing dues. There was a mixed response regarding percentage payments and flat rates.

Nick Turnbull (Isle of Mull Oysters) opened the meeting, explaining that it had largely been prompted by the Community Trust’s AGM, where a speaker from SNH had explained the current process of the Scottish Executive trying to identify a location for a Marine & Coastal National Park.(MCNP)

Reading from documents taken from the SNH website, Nick showed that SNH had received little input from the fisheries sector, who could, of all industries be most affected. From Mull, comments appeared to have been given by the Archipelago Forum, Hebridean Marine National Park Partnership and Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions.

Clyde Fishermen's Association and Scottish Shellfish Growers had offered guarded responses and asked for more detail.

James Hilder (MICT) explained that he had learned that the Council had been consulted and were considering a response but were concerned that a MCNP would remove Council control from a large part of the authority area. Cllr MacDougall confirmed that it was on the SPC agenda, and that a formal submission would be given in January.

The Minister has asked for an SNH recommendation by the end of March so time is short.

The indications are that the Inner Hebrides are a very possible candidate.

SNH are holding meetings in Inverness tomorrow (Wed 30th) and Glasgow (Thur 8th) which people can attend to express their views.  Suggest that this meeting sends a rep. Nick Turnbull offered to attend.

Bob Lawson concerned that if the fishing industry does not speak out and get involved then the industry will be ‘walked over’ by other concerns.

Douglas Wilson (Inverlussa Mussels) felt it was important that aquaculture and fisheries interests stood together. He had spoken to PanFish and Celtic Sea who wished to be kept informed.

Nick and Douglas proposed the idea of an all-Mull fishing and aquaculture industry association to make representations, and speak out, both prior to any announcement, and if Mull or nearby waters were proposed.

Employees of Scottish Sea Farms commented that while they wished to participate in the group they could not speak for company,  as it had yet to present a policy on the subject of a MCNP. Also doubted if it were prudent or helpful if any resulting Association simply became a lobby group against a MCNP.

James Hilder confirmed that although community consultation would be part of a designation, ultimately little would stop it going ahead so perhaps it was more important that the industry organise to protect its interests and be ready to engage with decision makers. In any community vote, the fishing industry would be outvoted by the tourism sector.

James Hilder clarified the facts relating to the Island Voices survey carried out in 20o3/4. Mull has a population of 2,800, 4,000 surveys had been sent out, 300 returned and just over 50% of these had indicated support for the concept of a MCNP. This had been misreported in the Oban Times and both James Hilder (MICT) and Paul Gallagher (Tobermory & Mull Fishermen's Association) had asked for corrections.

A MacLean expressed strong concerns about what limitations may be imposed as had been the case off Lundy Island. There was talk of ‘No Take’ zones, more SAC’s etc. He felt the Firth of Lorn designation was a shambles. While policy makers may talk about protecting the interests of communities and business this did not stack up in reality.

Douglas Wilson had spoken to John Hermes of the Mallaig & NorthWest Fishermen's Association, who is on the group of national stakeholders, currently being consulted by SNH. (DW read out the list of stakeholders). John has a stakeholder meeting on the 15th December and has welcomed feedback from the group, and has asked that we keep in touch.

DW also pointed out that there was a range of other “initiatives” that would affect the industry in the near future, and this was another important reason for trying to bring the industry together on Mull. These are :

Inshore Fisheries Management Groups – Scotland’s coast has been divided into zones and the community are supposed to get together to discuss management of these areas.  The Mull Zone stretches from Skye Bridge to the Small Isles.

Sound of Mull Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative  - Scot Executive wants to pilot the idea of an all-users  committee looking to improve management of this busy stretch of water. Community Council voted against it.

Highland Shellfish Management Organisation – Highlands are seeking to use a Regulatory Order so that all boats fishing in waters adjoining Highland Council coasts will require a permit to do so.  I.e. Ardnamurchan – Sound of Mull – Loch Linnhe etc.

Archipelago Forum – A group which is to be established involving the owners of Ulva, Gometra, Little Colonsay, Inch Kenneth and Eorsa, seeking UNESCO World Heritage Status for the area, and seeking to introduce locally agreed management measures for the land and sea. Several of the founders have a strong track record of opposing all planning applications for fish farms in the area. (Dougie Reid expressed concern about what this group really wanted to achieve and whether there would be genuine community control. JH explained that he had been asked to assist the Forum in looking at suitable structures and he explained that the Community Trust’s support was conditional on genuine community involvement. He explained that there was no reason why an Archipelago Forum could not co-exist with a MCNP (if designated) as it was essentially a local area management discussion group, which would seek local views and take actions in the light of local opinion.)

Nick Turnbull moved that a vote be taken on forming an association, but did not wish to conflict with either the Ross of Mull & Iona or the Mull Fishermen’s Association. The former group is not active at present and the MFA Chair indicated support.

A vote was taken expressing the industry’s concern about proposals for a MCNP, and the need for a Mull-wide group to be established to engage with SNH and others over the coming months, to represent the views of those who earn their living from marine produce.

The meeting unanimously agreed on this course of action.

JH suggested that the Association be established before the end of the year so it can participate in coming debates.

A MacLean suggested an initial Steering Group be formed to draw up a terms of reference and constitution.

Meeting agreed that if possible Steering group be representative of all sectors and where possible also a wide geographic spread. Volunteers were sought and the following people agreed top meet to prepare a constitution.

Nick Turnbull - Isle of Mull Oysters – Croig

Robert Lawson – Creels – Fionnphort

Geoff Kid – Salmon Farming – Loch Spelve

Paul Gallagher – Scallop Dredging – Tobermory

Dougie Reid – Creels  - Ulva Ferry

Douglas Wilson – Mussel Growers & Creels – Inverlussa

James Hilder was asked if the Mull & Iona Community Trust would assist with interim administration and preparing the constitutional documents. JH agreed.

Nick to attend the SNH Stakeholder Meeting in Glasgow on 8th December & report back

It was agreed the next meeting of ALL  fishermen and aquaculture interests should be on Wednesday 21st December at the Craignure Hall 8.00pm. At this meeting the Association would be formed, and committee elected and a plan of action agreed.

Actions :

Nick Turnbull to register and attend Glasgow event

Steering group to meet between 8th and 19th to agree terms of Association.

Douglas Wilson to book Village Hall for 21st December

Mull & Iona Community Trust  to do minutes & prepare posters / notices for the 21st and get notice in Oban Times.

Mull & Iona Community Trust to prepare draft constitution.

 

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