Mike Macleod has called for the return of a three mile inshore trawling ban and tougher action on fish farming as part of a wider push to protect coastal communities and marine life.

Standing for the Scottish Labour Party in Orkney, he said the previous lifting of the ban in 1984 had led to long term ecological damage in waters close to shore.

He argued that the original restriction, in place for nearly a century, had protected vital fish stocks and supported sustainable local fishing practices.

“Since Margaret Thatcher’s Conservatives unwisely lifted the ban on trawling within three nautical miles of the shore in 1984, the evidence is that allowing mechanised fishing has caused widespread ecological damage.

“The ban had previously been in place since 1889, and for very good reasons, given the importance of the area close to shore for fish stocks.”

He also pointed to divisions within the fishing sector, highlighting that not all fishermen support trawling in inshore waters.

“Such is the political lobbying strength of the trawling industry (owned by a few wealthy Scottish families) that people forget, the fishing industry is not united on this issue.

“Those fishermen who fish by creel for crab, langoustine and lobster, and hand-dive for scallops would benefit enormously once trawlers stop damaging their fishing grounds.

“Instead of soulless mechanised trawling, we want local fishermen using their traditional skills, after all it’s their livelihood and we should trust them to manage local fishing stocks responsibly.”

He referenced previous findings suggesting a return to the ban could support thousands of jobs and boost economic activity by allowing fish stocks to recover.

The candidate also raised concerns around so called ghost nets, abandoned fishing gear that continues to trap marine life long after being discarded.

“Back in the day, before I became a candidate and had a life, I used to go on beach cleans.

“I am only too well aware that nets abandoned by trawlers will continue to trap fish and mammals for long afterwards.

“The UK Merchant Shipping Regulations on the Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships of 2020 should be enforced.”

Beyond fishing practices, he expressed serious concern about the long term viability and environmental impact of salmon farming in Scotland.

He questioned the sustainability of feed sources, the impact of chemicals on surrounding waters, and the continued loss of local jobs as operations become more automated.

“Scotland needs to have a conversation about fish farming.

“As in, should we be doing it at all?”

He also suggested that proposals to move farms further offshore could be explored, while warning that stronger regulation alone may not be enough.

“Scottish Labour proposes stronger regulation on aquaculture, and I greatly welcome this.

“However it would seem the reality of the damage caused by fish farming, including to other fishing industries is so bad that we will have to start closing fish farms.

“After following due process, Regulators should, if there is no improvement in mortality and pollution rates, terminate the licences of the worst offenders.

“On a personal note, I won’t be eating farmed salmon anytime soon.”

His comments bring renewed focus to the balance between economic activity and environmental protection in Scotland’s coastal waters, an issue likely to remain central in the months ahead.