Scallop fishermen fear that the return of summer could spell the end of their industry, unless the government changes its approach to fishing bans.

The problems started last July with the first major outbreak of amnesic shellfish poisoning.

The Scottish Executive imposed widescale bans to protect consumers, but the scallop industry says it over-reacted and has now cost the industry around £10m.

The issue is high on the agenda at an aquaculture conference in Glasgow.

Algal bloom

The first major outbreak of the potentially fatal amnesic shellfish poisoning was detected in scallops last July.

It was caused by a toxic algal bloom normally associated with warm weather.

Some areas have only just had the ban lifted, while others are still waiting. Fishermen now fear the return of summer could take them back to square one.

Instead of all-out bans, they want to be able to sell the white meat of the scallop which, unlike the orange roe, absorbs little or no toxin.

Government scientists are considering the idea but say any change in policy would have to be agreed at the European level.

The Scallop Association says the industry has already lost millions and another wide-scale ban could be the end of it.

Meanwhile, a new initiative to help promote Scottish fish as a quality product has been launched at the Fishing 2000 exhibition in Glasgow.

"Seafood Scotland" aims to deliver a quality certification scheme which will cover all parts of the fish production chain "from boat to plate".