Fishermen have warned that plans to establish marine protected areas off Scotland’s west coast will create “economic deserts” and kill off fragile ­communities reliant on the ­industry.
The Western Isles Fishermen’s Association (Wifa) has joined forces with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Islands Council) to oppose the proposals from the Scottish Government agency Marine Scotland.

Consultation on the plans ends next month, but fishing and council leaders claim such measures will prevent fishing operations in some of the most fertile grounds off the west coast, putting jobs at risk.

Duncan MacInnes, of Wifa, said: “This will result in a severe economic impact if they proceed with the current proposals.

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