The Celtic League has written to the Scottish Government expressing its opposition to proposals for industrialised kelp harvesting off the coasts of Scotland. The issue is due to be debated next week in the Scottish parliament.
A resolution (moved by the Manx branch of the League) was adopted at the recent AGM held in Glasgow.
A range of bodies have spoken out about the possible damage the practice may cause to the marine ecosystem around these Islands. The most prominent individual to add his voice is environmentalist and broadcaster David Attenborough.
As mover of the successful resolution the Mannin Branch is charged with its implementation and the letter from Manx branch secretary Allen Moore is set out below.
“15th November 2018
Roseanna Cunningham,
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform,
Scottish Government,
St Andrew’s House,
Regent Road,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3DG.
Cabinet Secretary,
The International AGM of the Celtic League, which was held in Glasgow last month, unanimously passed the following resolution:
This AGM calls on the Scottish Parliament to commission an independent review into plans for dredging kelp around the coasts of Scotland, including their sustainability and effects on non-target species.
We hope that the Scottish Parliament will commission an independent review before any kelp is dredged around Scotland’s coasts. Please keep us informed about any such reviews, including advice on how to obtain copies of any reports on reviews.
Thank you.
Allen S. Moore,
Mannin Branch Secretary,
Celtic League”
Related link:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1884480281600724&id=805941286121301
Related online petition:
https://www.change.org/p/scottish-parliament-ensure-that-me…
Image: Industrialised dredging of kelp
Bernard Moffatt
Assistant General Secretary
Celtic League
