Faroes 'will not plunder our fish'

Scotland is to step up efforts to guard its maritime border against foreign fishermen "plundering" fish worth millions to the nation's economy.

The Scottish Government has accused the Faroe Islands of "aggressively" fishing for mackerel - which brings in 135 million and supports 2,500 jobs in Scotland - by hauling in five times its internationally agreed quota.

Fisheries minister Richard Lochhead said yesterday: "It is important that we do not allow them to plunder our waters as part of their outrageous mackerel grab."

Mr Lochhead said fisheries protection vessels would closely monitor the border to prevent any incursion by Faroese vessels.

Marine Scotland Compliance is in discussions with the EU's Communities Fishery Control Agency to secure support to put in place co-operative action, such as an emergency joint deployment plan, involving other member states.

Mr Lochhead, who was speaking after meeting the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association, added: "We cannot allow disregard for conservation to threaten the sustainability of Scotland's most valuable catch, and I know we have UK government support for this."