Authorities are understood to be investigating claims that fishermen may be putting their lives at risk by ‘electro-fishing’ in the Firth of Forth.
The Courier has learned there have been reports of boats in the area using the controversial technique to catch razorfish, and that the situation is being monitored by those responsible for the estuary.
Electro-fishing, which was banned in the EU in 1998, is understood to be becoming more commonly used to catch razorfish also known as spoots using a boat generator.
The method involves passing a current into the sediment causing the razorfish to ‘jump’, with a following diver able to collect the razorfish which emerge from the seabed.
A spokeswoman for Marine Scotland Compliance (MSC), which was formerly the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, said it could not comment on individual cases which had been raised but urged people not to partake in the activity.
She said, “I can confirm that the practice of electro-fishing is illegal in both fresh and saltwater. There are circumstances under licence where it can be used as a fish management tool in freshwater, but only under government licence.”
With reports of electro-fishing surfacing in various parts of Scotland, including the Firth of Forth, Scottish fishing licences were amended in 2010 to try to strengthen enforcement of the ban.
A clause was introduced which stipulated vessels should not “carry on board nor deploy into the sea any electrical equipment, including electrical generators, cables, probes, grids or any other equipment capable of transmitting electrical currents to the seabed.”
A Marine Scotland report published in February on the effects of electrical fishing highlighted concerns about the future sustainability of razor clam fishing, given an increase in landings allied to the use of electrical fishing methods.
The report said it was known that fishermen across Scotland have been using the illegal technique since at least 2004 and highlighted the potential hazards involved.
“In addition to the risks and hazards associated with fishing from small inshore boats, the technique involves diving and high power electrical currents and is not regulated,” the report noted.
“Under these circumstances, the likelihood of serious injury or fatalities is considerably increased. Of particular concern is the clandestine and ad hoc approach to the development of the electrical fishing technology.
“Without sufficient expertise in marine electrical systems, poor design and maintenance of the equipment is likely to increase the risk of injury and fatalities still further.”
The report also noted that scuba divers can be “easily entrapped or entangled” and stressed that scuba shellfish diving should not take place where there is a risk of entrapment near underwater nets or structures, or where the diver is required to use electrical equipment or other high energy tools or equipment.