Death of Scotland's seas? Fury at SNP stewardship of country's once-bountiful waters

Open Seas, a Scottish charity campaigning for better protection of the marine environment, has launched a broad attack on the SNP government’s management of Scotland’s seas, accusing it of dismantling safeguards and failing coastal communities. The group claims marine protection areas are effectively “a mirage,” with damaging trawlers and dredgers able to fish inside zones that are supposedly protected. Open Seas also alleges the SNP is too close to the industrial fishing lobby, pointing to the appointment of former SNP fishing minister Mairi Gougeon as CEO of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF). Shortly after, the SNP gave nearly £1 million to an SFF-owned organisation, which Open Seas says is a conflict of interest. Open Seas director Phil Taylor cites declines including fewer than five of 15 health indicators being met.