Ray of hope for vulnerable marine species

Published on 31/03/2012 01:03

SHARKS, skates and rays have been given greater protection in Scottish waters.

Scottish Government laws came into force yesterday covering 26 species including angel sharks, tope sharks, common skate and undulate rays.

The Sharks, Skates and Rays (Prohibition of Fishing, Trans-shipment and Landing) (Scotland) Order 2012 means they have protection over and above EU legislation, prohibiting anglers from landing the species.

Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Some of these species are critically endangered and this legislation will mean that we have gone above and beyond EU legislation to offer greater levels of protection.”

Ali Hood, director of conservation for the Shark Trust, said: “A legacy of unregulated fisheries worldwide has heavily impacted on a number of populations, with certain species found in Scottish waters now critically depleted.”