Scotland’s marine and islands minister has been gauging opinion among fishing communities about the future protection of Scottish coastal waters. Ahead of a formal consultation exercise, Jim Fairlie is taking soundings from industry leaders in Shetland and the Western Isles. It urged the Scottish Government to “stop delaying and start protecting” Scotland’s coast from damaging fishing practices. Fairlie acknowledged that fishing communities have shaped coastal life for generations. Among organisations the minister is meeting are the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation, Western Isles Fishing Association and representatives from shellfish companies.