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pelagic mackerel roam scottish waters in huge shoals and are found close to the shore, near tide lines and oil rigs and often in the wake of shrimp boats |
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The Agency's mission is conducted to ensure compliance with the following fisheries legislation as it applies to the sea areas of the British fishery limits around Scotland and in Scottish ports.
the conservation regulation
Council Regulation (EC) No 894/97 lays down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources. These measures include:
minimum mesh sizes for nets and landing sizes for certain species of fish and shellfish
prohibition of devices which obstruct the meshes of nets and restrictions on the use of certain types of fishing gear
closed areas to protect spawning grounds
Subordinate legislation made under the authority of this regulation provides detailed rules for the measurement of nets and their attachments and the sampling of industrial catches.
quota regulations
| In December of each year the Council of European Fisheries Ministers meets to consider scientific advice on important fish stocks and to set annual catch limits which are allocated by means of quotas to Member States with a history of fishing for these stocks in both EU and Third Country waters. These negotiations also take account of agreements reached with countries outside the EU. Of primary significance to the UK are the agreements with Norway and the Faeroes who have a common interest in conserving mutually important fish stocks. These Regulations, renewed annually, set quotas for specific stocks and apply certain conditions and control measures where appropriate. |
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the control regulation
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 provides a control system for the monitoring of conservation and fish stock management measures, fishing effort and measures concerning the common organisation of the market. This regulation, in conjunction with relevant subordinate legislation, sets out:
detailed rules for inspections at sea
the marking and stowage of fishing gear
satellite monitoring of fishing vessel movements
the recording of catches and fishing activity in log books and
communication of effort and catch reports
the provision of landings and marketing data by way of landing
declarations, sales notes and transport documents
Statutory Instruments made under the Fisheries Act 1981 bring these fully into force in UK law.
Under the terms of the Common Fisheries Policy, Member States may also apply unilateral measures for the conservation and management of fish stocks provided that such measures apply solely to the Member State concerned and are compatible with Community law.
A list of the main UK Fisheries Acts and associated Statutory Instruments and Orders are set out at Annex d.
Fishery Officer Gayle MacKay checking a
logsheet at Peterhead fishmarket
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