9 October, 2009

FISHING vessels fitted with closed circuit TV could secure additional catch quotas at this year’s round of European fisheries talks, fishing secretary Richard Lochhead claimed yesterday (Thursday).

Mr Lochhead signed a joint statement with Denmark, Germany and the UK during the Danfish International Conference, in Denmark, pushing for more monitoring of catches on vessels as a means to persuade Europe to grant larger quotas.

The move follows a pilot scheme involving seven Scottish fishing boats fitted with CCTV cameras in August, allowing more accurate data on fish catches to be acquired.

Yesterday’s statement follows a meeting with Danish fisheries minister Eva Kjer Hansen earlier this year about ways of reducing discards

In his conference speech, Mr Lochhead said: “This landmark proposal could prove to be a win-win for our hard pressed fishermen and their conservation credentials. It will mean a further shift in focus from a centralised regulatory approach, to one which will provide greater flexibility to reward good fishing practice.

“The collection of more accurate data would undoubtedly lead to better fisheries management of our seas. Fishermen will have the chance of increasing their income whilst at the same time be able to account for all the fish they remove from the sea.

“In return they will receive the reward and incentive of keeping a much larger share of what they currently catch, rather than being forced to dump it into the sea.

“Our successful CCTV pilot was launched in August. It’s very encouraging that other countries are asking for this to be a formal part of options available to them in 2010. I believe it could help us move to catch quotas and define effort as actual fishing time rather than steaming effort at sea.

“CCTV on fishing vessels provides valuable new research and data, increasing our evidence base for scientists. It can help narrow the perceived gap in science advice and what fishermen see in reality.

“We are keen to work closely with our fishermen on the important details of such a scheme, and explore the potential to apply them during 2010 and beyond.”

A full copy of the joint statement is available at www.fvm.dk/yieldoffish