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Scotland introduces real time closure for fisheries |
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Thursday, 30 August 2007 |
Scotland is the first country in Europe to implement a new voluntary scheme to conserve North Sea cod stocks, under a joint initiative developed by the industry and the Scottish government which 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, and 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.”
Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, added: “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.”
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.”
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 30 August 2007 )
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