AQUACULTURE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR YELL SOUND     Print Article

Posted on: 23/3/2007

Six aquaculture companies operating in the Yell Sound area came together recently to sign an aquaculture management plan for the Yell Sound Coast - an area that has been designated as a Marine Special Area of Conservation (MSAC) for otters and common seals.

The document lays out actions, which the companies will follow to assure Scottish Natural Heritage and Shetland Islands Council that the human activity in the area does not disturb seals, particularly during the breeding and moulting season.

Chief Executive of Seafood Shetland, Ruth Henderson, said: "This aquaculture management plan has been signed by both fish farming companies and shellfish growers operating in the Yell Sound area.  It has been drawn up to support the MSAC for otters and common seals and includes actions to ensure that seals remain undisturbed during breeding and moulting periods."

David Sandison, General Manager of Shetland Aquaculture continued: "The companies operating within the area of the MSAC are there 365 days a year and are in a great position to observe the wildlife and assist in meeting the objectives of the designation for otters and seals.  This plan will help resolve any concerns Scottish Natural Heritage may have over the level of human activity.

"The actions include establishing a management group to address common seal preservation; no use of acoustic seal deterrents in the area; each company operating from only one shore base; the availability of company staff to assist SNH in the gathering of scientific data on common seals in the area; the introduction of exclusion zones during breeding and moulting season and the suspension of non-routine and non-essential work during breeding and peak moulting seasons."

Karen Hall of Scottish Natural Heritage said: "We consider that common seal numbers are showing a decline and, consequently, we are keen to minimise disturbance in the Yell SAC area, which could perhaps cause further threat to the seal population.

"We are fortunate to have a close working relationship with Shetland's aquaculture industry and appreciate the efforts made by the operators in the Yell MSAC area."

The companies signing the agreement included Johnson Seafarms, Collafirth Salmon Ltd, HAH Ltd, Hunter Shellfish Ltd, C&S Mussels Ltd and Hjaltland Seafarms Ltd.

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