1 August, 2007

A GROUND breaking initiative to conserve North Sea fish stocks is being explored by the Scottish Executive and the fishing industry.

Yesterday (Tuesday) rural affairs and environment secretary Richard Lochhead announced he was talking to the industry about a voluntary scheme of "real time closures" to protect cod stocks.

The proposal, which appears to have widespread support amongst fishermen and conservationists, would involve skippers themselves sounding the alert when they encountered stocks of small cod.

Voluntary closure would then apply to protect these stocks which would have to be discarded if they were caught.

Mr Lochhead said: "We have been discussing with industry bodies a range of proactive measures to help the recovery of cod stocks.

"There is strong support for developing a system of voluntary real-time closures of sea areas with a high abundance of juvenile cod.

"Skippers themselves would be closely involved in the development and assessment of such a scheme ensuring best use is made of real-time information and action.

"Fishermen recognise their obligations to safeguard their futures and are already leading Europe in fisheries conservation. This is yet another example of their leadership and forward thinking.

"I am keen to see a formal proposal worked up with the industry over the coming weeks. I also plan to raise this.in my forthcoming discussions with Norway, Denmark and other countries.

"This is a very good opportunity for Scotland take the international lead with an innovative approach which can make a real difference. Sensible conservation of a valuable fishing stock is in everybody's long term interest. All our futures depend on it."

Scottish Fishermen's Federation chief executive Bertie Armstrong added: "The best, most effective measures for protection of fish stocks are those with industry support from all nationalities in that fishery.

"This plan has all the right ingredients and we will work hard to help shape the ideas into practical reality."

Wildlife campaign group WWF's senior marine policy officer, Helen McLachlan, said they too welcomed the initiative.

"It seems quite obvious, but small fish need to be left to grow to maturity when they can help recover the population. Hopefully this measure will help this happen" she said.

"It is clear that for cod to recover effectively other measures are needed, but this is an important initiative which will hopefully gain the involvement of other EU countries and Norway to maximise its effectiveness."

Mike Park, executive chairman of the Scottish Whitefish Producers Association, added his voice to support the idea.

"My association welcomed this initiative and my members continue to support sustainable development, including constructive ideas such as 'real time closures' to protect small cod.

"This pilot project is seen by our members as one of a number of measures to achieve a balanced equation between stock regeneration and economic opportunity."