THE Scottish Liberal Democrats have tabled a Parliamentary motion calling for Government leniency on fishermen found to have undersized nets when the mesh size is determined using the new ‘Omega’ electronic net gauge.

Liam McArthur MSP, who tabled the motion said: “I am worried that fishermen face being forced to discard their catch or risk arrest because previously legal nets now fall foul of the law. Ministers admit the new gauges were introduced without consulting the industry and are producing different readings to the old hand-held device. At the very least, there should be a transition period during which nets can be measured using the old device or compensation should be offered for old nets that must now be discarded.

“I am pleased that this motion has attracted support across the chamber, including SNP MSP Dave Thompson. As a Highlands and Islands member, he will doubtless have been made aware of the anger felt by many fishermen. As a Government whip, I assume Mr Thompson's views carry some weight with his Ministerial colleagues. I look forward therefore to the Fisheries Secretary having a change of heart on this issue in the coming days.”