EMERGENCY measures enacted to protect a rare reef indicate “mistrust” from Holyrood ministers, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has claimed.

Last week scallop dredging was banned from a Highland loch after an investigation found beds of flame shells had been damaged by the practice.

An urgent Marine Conservation Order has been put in place banning mobile gear fisheries, such as dredgers, from 16 square kilometres of Loch Carron in Wester Ross, for one year.

An inquiry by Scottish Natural Heritage found the damage to the reef, which is now in a designated Marine Protected Area (MPA), was consistent with this type of fishing.

Now the SFF has hit out at the measure, claiming it undermines confidence in marine protection and shows “mistrust”.

Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the SFF, made the comments in a letter to Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham and Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing.

He said fishing had already been banned on five similar reefs and argued that MPAs were not created to protect all “examples” of rare underwater features.

Branding the change a “de facto statement of mistrust”, he said: “You will know that this logical, sequential, evidence-based endeavour is one that we, as directly affected stakeholders, have not only participated in but directly promoted on the international stage as an exemplar for others, balancing well the relevant Scottish Government policies of healthy and productive seas.

“Stepping outside the process undermines confidence in a balanced government approach to MPAs.”

The complaint comes after campaign group Open Seas called for MPAs on more reefs, calling the Loch Carron edit “too little, too late”.

The damage there was caused when a dredger dragged its gear through the shells, which have a fringe of orange tentacles.

Flame shells build nests from shells, stones and other materials, living hidden inside them on the seabed. Hundreds of these nests can combine to make a dense bed, which supports other species, including young fish and scallop spat.

It is thought the reef at Loch Carron will take up to 100 years to recover from the damage.

Defending the decision, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The approach taken by the Scottish Whitefish Producers’ Association to implement three voluntary flame shell bed closures after the Loch Carron incident was a positive and responsible reaction to this issue.

“The Marine (Scotland) Act gives Scottish ministers the power to designate MPAs on an urgent basis if there is an immediate need for protection.

“Given the recovery potential of the flame shell beds, it was important to ensure that there was not a repeat impact from dredge fishing.

“That’s why the designation was accompanied by the urgent Marine Conservation Order.”

Announcing the restrictions on Friday, Cunningham said: “We take our duty to protect Scotland’s rich marine environment extremely seriously and recognise the importance of safeguarding vulnerable habitats like flame shell beds.

“By introducing a Marine Protected Area and putting in place a ban on dredging we hope to ensure the recovery of the flame shell beds in Loch Carron.

“While we recognise there are concerns around scallop dredging in coastal waters, we must balance environmental concerns with the need for legitimate and sustainable fishing.

“The Scottish Government will now begin work immediately to identify if there are other areas which should be protected.”

At the time, Sam Gardner, acting head of WWF Scotland, said: “This recent incident clearly shows the importance of completing the Marine Protected Area network and ensuring the jewels of Scotland’s seas are there for future generations to enjoy.”