Alex Fergusson MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries has criticised the fact that the SNP have curtailed the democratic process by voting down a move to delay the implementation of new salmon conservation measures.
The Scottish Government are to implement regulations that will see the killing of salmon banned in waters through a blanket catch and release policy on most Scottish rivers.
The move is likely to affect many key stakeholders including angling clubs, pubs and the tourist trade – who rely on salmon fishing for their livelihoods.
And when the new laws come into force there will be no compensation available to businesses that rely on the salmon fishing industry.
Mr Fergusson tabled a motion today to annul the measures during the Rural Affairs Committee’s final meeting, but the motion was voted down by the SNP majority on the Committee. Speaking after the decision was taken Mr Fergusson said: “It is clear that many stakeholders feel that the scientific basis for these measures is seriously unsound and that the measures are being pushed in order to been seen to be ‘doing something’.
“My motion to annul the measures was simply designed to delay conservation measures being introduced in order to give the Scottish Government time to bring forward a more robust scientific basis for them in a way that would ensure the buy-in of all stakeholders – something that is far from universal at present.
“Support for my motion, which was supported by both Labour and the Liberal Democrats would at least have ensured a full and open debate in the Scottish Parliament, but the SNP members on the committee saw fit to oppose that by voting against it.
“I therefore regret that the measures will be introduced without a full Parliamentary debate and although this is an acceptable and legitimate procedure, I do not believe it does justice to such an important and far-reaching measure as this.”
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