Press Release

THE CROWN ESTATE SUPPORTS PROTECTION OF SCOTTISH NATIVE OYSTERS

22 December 2005

The Crown Estate, working in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Strathclyde Police, have helped launch an information campaign to save Scotland’s threatened native oysters. Leaflets and posters will be distributed throughout the West coast of Scotland to urge people to watch out for oyster poachers in the run-up to the festive period, which is a peak season for oyster consumption.

The native oyster once supported a prolific fishery industry in several parts of Scotland, the most famous being in the Firth of Forth but there are now only a few dwindling populations of native oysters left on the West coast. In the past over harvesting, diseases and chemical pollution were all factors in the species’ decline, while today the biggest threat to their recovery is unlawful harvesting from sea lochs. Collection of native oysters is unlawful without consent from The Crown Estate.

Stewardship and Renewables Manager David Philip said: "We see the scheme as vital in ensuring the long term future of Scotland’s native oysters. The wide distribution and dissemination of information on this UK Biodiversity Action Species should ensure its protection and hopefully restoration on the west coast."

For more information from Scottish Natural Heritage, please follow the link to the SNH website.