Creel Controversy At St Abbs
Staff at the St. Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve have expressed concern about the theft of catches from creels in the Reserve area in recent months.
A Marine Reserve offical told
Scottish Diver: "THe St. Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve, quoted in the top ten cold water dive sites in Europe, is famous for it's outstanding diving conditions and variety of wildlife. The long established Reserve is also well known in the diving community for the voluntary ban on the taking of shellfish within its boundaries, formalising advice given in the 1960's.
"The ban was set up in 1984 when tensions between the fishermen and divers were escalating owing to the destruction of creels and theft of catches. As one of the few areas around the British coast where the taking of shellfish is voluntarily banned, divers have since been supportive of the Reserve's Code of Practice and have acted responsibly during their visits to the Reserve.
"Unfortunately this year a number of creels have been tampered with. Not only is this illegal but also it is very dangerous. Although this problem has not got out of hand, it is a shame that a small majority of divers deem themselves differently from the rest of the diving community, flouting the standards set by everyone else.
"The St. Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve would like to reassert to the diving community the importance of the voluntary ban on the taking of shellfish, not only as a conservation measure, but also to maintain the goodwill of the local community.
"The St. Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve would like to thank everybody for their support over the years and hope that the diving community will be able to help resolve this problem. More information about the Reserve can be obtained from
www.marine-reserve.co.uk".
Taken from
Scottish Diver Nov/Dec 2002 issue
C'mon guys, let's stop this disgraceful practice. If you buddy does it, abort the dive there and then. Besides which, it's not in the least bit sporting ;)