Tragic - post from a fisherman, on the impact the HPMA would have on his way of life. This is how it affects the human. #mpmaa

Hopefully, Kenny won't mind me reposting this. Not only does it capture in words why fishermen feel the way they do about thier futures it also explains in simple terms their affinity for the job, the sea and the way of life which seems to count for nothing -match that against huge industried and orgaisations wreaking havoc on the planet on an industrial scale. 

"Guilt and shame is all you're allowed to feel as a fisherman now, I genuinely don't know what my place is in this changing world. For 27 years it's been my family's sole income, it has allowed me to stay on my home island and get on the property ladder against all the odds. My boat has helped feed and clothe 8 local kids over the years. Even through the worst years my crews have not earned less that £30,000. 

More than all of that it is a calling that not many people can understand, a freedom to work and exist in the environment that surrounds us, nobody to answer to except your own wits and decisions. The feeling when it all works out is irreplaceable. I had always thought that the lack of management and our own greed would be the undoing of us, but no, the stocks have held up remarkably well from the bad days when 10m boats thought nothing of working 2,000 creels. 

Now things have settled back into a calmer, more sensible pace, a few management tweaks would see the job flourish again. 

Outside of our target species I can honestly say my impact on biodiversity has been absolutely minimal. there is no by-catch in creels well none that can't be returned alive anyway, and before anyone says it I have been fortunate enough to have never entangled a whale. 

If these HPMAs go ahead in their current form it will be over for us, I fully expect given the designation parameters- layering with existing protected areas, this part of the coast will be inundated with designations. Treshnish Islands (SAC), Coll and Tiree (SPA) Small Isles (MPA), the list is endless. My business is only successful with the ability to rotated grounds and species throughout the seasons, any interruption to that and displaced effort will make it unviable and damaging for areas without enclosures. I will turn 44 next month, my kids are 15 and 14. The thought of starting over at this point in my life is terrifying, I have put my heart and soul into the fishing and never thought I'd find myself in this position. 

Please fill out the consultation before the 17th

This could change life in the islands forever. Any potential long term benefits from HPMAs cannot justify the definite socioeconomic damage to some very vulnerable communities. 

#hpma