SNP MP Angus MacNeil has received almost instantaneous reaction of dismay from the fishing community to the latest management plans for Marine Protected Areas and is calling for an extension to the month long consultation given a fortnight will be taken up by the Christmas break.

Angus MacNeil MP said:

“This whole Marine Protected Area issue is being done in way I feel will be economically damaging for the islands and west coast.  However, setting that aside, a month consultation over Christmas is too short and should be extended.

“Too many jobs and livelihoods of people we all know in our communities are dependent on this whole thing being done properly, therefore at outset the consultation cannot rushed.”

ENDS