MORAY FIRTH FISHERMEN COMPLAIN ABOUT PORT DREDGING

Moray Firth fishermen complain about port dredging. Moray Firth fishermen say they are outraged after finding large amounts of debris in their hauls following dredging they claim is linked to Ardersier Port. The trawlers from Burghead say their catch has dropped at least 50% after the work last year.

Dredging operations were in full swing at the port in April 2025, when DEME offshore dredgers deepened and widened the harbour. The work was to accommodate vessels transporting offshore wind components in the Highland area. However, fishers have described the impact as an “environmental disaster”.

They say sand taken from the port has been scattered across the Firth, damaging habitat and burying lobster grounds. They also allege that debris from the work, such as hard hats, rubber gloves and more junk, has been deposited in the surrounding waters.

One of the fishermen believes that when the yard originally closed, a large amount of waste was buried on site. Dredging has disturbed this and brought it back into the marine environment, he said.

No matter the reason, there is a major impact on fishers, leaving them uncertain whether they can continue a trade that has supported families for generations. They are urging the Scottish Government to halt the granting of another licence for similar work to be carried out again this year.

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