Thinking Globally, Acting Locally
There has been a fair amount of comment regarding Al Gore’s movie relating to the environment. At the same time we are hearing a lot about the benefits of people from foreign lands coming to Scotland to find a new life. I am writing to ask if we should be considering the unique position of Scotland form a geographical and environmental perspective in relation to migration patterns in the context of all that is the “environment”.
If the current wave of people movements contributes to enhancing the living riches in Scotland then we will surely all benefit. If we in Scotland are unwilling to do what matters – to enhance the ability of the environment to produce a natural self sustaining abundance in our seas and rivers who else will?
Perhaps we need to look closer to home a put personal values on our own locals living natural resources in Edinburgh.
For example, the Firth of Forth, the rivers Esk, Almond, and the water of Leith can all support abundance of Atlantic salmon and their cousins the sea trout if only the correct measures were put in place. We may not have all the facts but there are certain environmental imperatives that we must get right. If Al Gore’s movie motivates us to act locally to look after valuable natural resources that would benefit us all.
Brendan Kerr
Swanston Gardens
Edinburgh
Forth Boats Just a Prawn in the game.
It was fascinating to read the article by Gareth Edwards describing the prawn fishing business in Port Seton. It is encouraging to know that the Firth of Forth can still produce a sustainable economic catch that adds value to the local community in Port Seton and provides fresh langoustine for a lucrative Spanish market. Perhaps more importantly a Family tradition can continue to thrive.
Many of us support the right of local fishermen to freely catch what they can from local waters to earn a good income and enjoy the spectacle of fishing boats fishing and at harbour. However I was stimulated to reply because of my desire to see an even greater value created for the waters of the Forth by increasing the fish stocks (abundance and diversity) and the future of the local fishing industry.
It is clear that over the years many traditional fishermen have evolved through necessity to trawl nets for prawns instead of fishing more sustainably and in a way that allows abundance and diversity to develop. The only option was to diversify or give up hope by decommissioning their boats. The odd big Cod and lobster are currently a bonus for hard fishing efforts.
What could be achieved if the Forth fishermen evolved to develop a bright future for themselves by limiting trawling and moved to fishing with pots for lobster and prawns and jigging for Cod? Trawling is destructive to the sea floor habitat and does little to assist abundance and diversity. It is encouraging that many small Cod are now being caught but ask, is the most being made of the future opportunity to ensure stocks develop further? Adding future value to natural resources in the Forth has got to be a major challenge for the future.
Whilst encouraging the brave hard working fishermen who currently add value to Port Seton, by catching Forth prawns I would be more encouraged to hear of the plans for developing sustainable fishing practices. Fishermen have evolved to trawl for prawns out of necessitiy. The real challenge now is to evolve to fish in a way that builds up the industry to a level that would further benefit Port Seton and many other fishing Ports on the firth of Forth. Working to develop thriving sustainable industry that can support abundance and diversity would be a great aim. It will take a vision and a commitment to work for a better future to ensure that the right plans are put in place to limit those areas where trawling is allowed and where the less destructive pots and jigging are encouraged.
Yours sincerely
Brendan Kerr
19 Swanston Gardens
Edinburgh
EH10 7DJ
Bright future if we look to our coastline
It was really interesting to read your article in the Evening News Wednesday April 25th “Scots voters warned oil income won’t pay our way in the future”.
Is the time right for Scotland to recognise the full value her great natural living resources? These are not found in oil reserves but in the natural habitats of Scotland’s sea and coastline. The recent white paper “A Sea Change” states that the UK’s total marine asset is currently valued at £ 67 billion. Major contributors to this total include oil and gas £22.3 billion, tourism and recreation £16 billion, naval defence £6.5 billion, ship and shipbuilding and repairs, £ 3 billion, ports £1.6 billion. According to the white paper £0.5 billion,( 1.34%) comes from fishing. Considering Scotland has 60% of the UK coastline, fishing, must be worth more than stated. Defining the true economic and socio economic value of fishing to Scotland and effective management of coastal communities would help Scotland pay its way and remain competitive in a new environmentally aware world.
Integrating fishing with other economic activities and finding a common purpose to build and develop fish stocks would add to Scotland’s unique and bountiful natural living resources. Greens, conservationists, anglers, fishermen and those interested in a successful Scotland can contribute to Scotland’s future by being responsible for sustainability and a bright future.
Yours sincerely
Brendan Kerr
19 Swanston Gardens
Edinburgh
EH10 7DJ