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Scotland leads on fisheries conservation
30/08/2007
Scotland is the first country in Europe to implement a new voluntary scheme to conserve North Sea cod stocks.
The joint initiative developed by the industry and the Scottish government takes effect across the entire Scottish fleet on Saturday.
Under the voluntary real time closure scheme, skippers at sea will themselves sound the alert when they encounter stocks of small cod.
Voluntary closure would then apply in specified areas to protect these stocks which if caught at present, have to be discarded.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:
"The new Scottish government pledged at the outset a fresh start for Scotland's fisheries. That means fresh thinking and taking the lead.
"I am very pleased that within a month of announcing discussions had been taking place with the industry, we are now able to put this scheme into practice.
"Skippers themselves will have a central role in the scheme ensuring best use is made of real-time information and action.
"This new approach is about responsibility.
"We have worked closely with the Scottish fishing industry to develop this scheme. It is a testimony to their commitment to securing a viable future for Scotland's cod stock.
"I believe that this scheme will make a strong contribution to the recovery of cod stocks.
"Fishermen in Scotland are showing real leadership and are setting an example to the rest of Europe.
"We hope that with information gained from this voluntary scheme and in discussions with other member states that Scotland can lead in developing a formal proposal for the European Commission.
Helen McLachlan, Senior Marine Policy Officer for WWF, said:
"WWF commends the Scottish fleet on agreeing to pilot real time closures.
"It seems obvious but small fish need to be left to grow to maturity so that they can help recover the population. If implemented rigorously this scheme could help population recovery by reducing the capture of juvenile cod.
"If the Scottish fleet can demonstrate the benefits of this measure, this should stand the UK in good stead to negotiate a system which will have the much needed involvement of Norway and other EU member states who also impact on cod populations."
Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, said
"Scotland is leading the way in this area and we look for strong support from our European colleagues fishing the same waters. It is in all our interests that this succeeds.
"Extra encouragement is taken from the fact that the measure is a response to a very tangible resurgence of cod in the Northern fishing grounds."
Under the scheme, the Scottish government will close off areas that are found to have high abundance of under-sized cod. This is defined as a minimum of 60 undersized cod per hour's fishing effort. There will be a maximum level of nine closure areas (each 15 square miles). Each closure will be as a result of three positive counts taken.
Commercial Impact Zones (CIZs) each with a radius of 45 miles will also be introduced to address economic and viability issues raised by the industry. There will be no more than three closed areas within a CIZ. This is to ensure that fishermen in any one geographical area are not unfairly disadvantaged.
The scheme is voluntary and not subject to enforcement action. Other UK administrations and EU member states will be advised of closures and vessels encouraged to observe them. The industry will be encouraged to notify the existence for information purposes where they have encountered high numbers of undersized cod by phone
+44(0)131-271-9700, fax +44(0)131-244-6471 and Email: UKFCC@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Information on sample results and closed areas will be published on the Marine Directorate website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/realtimeclosures . Sampling will be undertaken by the SFPA and independent observers. Fisheries Research Service observers shall seek the permission of the vessel master before any notifications are made. The area of application shall be ICES Zones IV & VI.
Currently it is an offence to retain on board, land or offer for sale cod below marketable size (35cm and above) so if caught they are discarded dead back into the sea. It is not intended that the voluntary scheme will replace existing statutory closures. These are defined on the basis of historic assessment of cod stocks rather than current actual experience. There are two such areas in Scottish waters - the Clyde and the North West Scotland Windsock area.