Post by SHARK on Apr 21, 2009 21:18:47 GMT 1
New discard measures unveiled at show
Published: 04 April, 2008
A NEW £500,000 two-year observer programme that will deliver independent verification of ground-breaking fish conservation measures was announced today.
The programme, claimed to be a further example of the lead Scotland is taking on sustainable fishing, will help minimise discards of cod and other fish stocks.
Making the announcement at the Fishing 2008 exhibition in Glasgow, Scottish Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead also said the Scottish fishing industry and the fishing communities it sustains are sailing into calmer waters after years of stormy weather.
And he maintained the "fresh start" for fishermen promised by the Scottish government was starting to bear fruit.
Speaking at the event, Mr Lochhead said: "I am proud that Scotland's fishing industry is leading the way in Europe on fish stock conservation. We are continually pursuing and promoting sustainable fishing.
"That is why I am pleased to announce a new two-year independent observer programme following a successful pilot.
"The new scheme will allow skippers to test new ways of fishing sustainably and get verification that they are helping conserve cod stocks.
"Having independent observers on board will help speed the delivery of innovative measures, such as better net design throughout the Scottish fleet.
"The information collected will play an important role in the development of the initial Conservation Credits Scheme over the coming months, which in turn will make a tangible contribution to help drive down discard levels.
"There is a new mood of optimism in Scotland about the future of the fishing industry. A healthy future for the industry contributes to sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
"It won't be all plain sailing, for I believe we are well placed to not just respond to the challenge that lie ahead but to lead the way in Europe."
The independent observer programme will be publicly funded and delivered 500 observer days a year from July this year. A total of £500,000 will be committed to deliver the programme over two years.
On the crippling fuel costs facing the catching sector, Mr Lochhead later told a seminar at the show that he was well aware that the fuel issue was of particular concern to the catching sector, although every business sector was affected by what was a global issue.
But he went on: "I can give you a guarantee that we are going to sit down with you, the fishing industry, to explore every avenue we can explore on this issue.
"I can also give you a pledge that we will take the toughest line possible with the European Commission to try to ensure a level playing field on the fuel issue throughout Europe."
They could not have a situation where some countries in Europe were being helped by their government yet Scotland was powerless to do the same.
Meanwhile, Mr Lochhead also pledged that the Scottish Government would continue its campaign to lead the UK fisheries delegation at European fish talks.
This, he said, was very much a live issue.
Audience figures at the fisheries event were markedly up on yesterday, backing organisers hopes of a late surge in interest.
Published: 04 April, 2008
A NEW £500,000 two-year observer programme that will deliver independent verification of ground-breaking fish conservation measures was announced today.
The programme, claimed to be a further example of the lead Scotland is taking on sustainable fishing, will help minimise discards of cod and other fish stocks.
Making the announcement at the Fishing 2008 exhibition in Glasgow, Scottish Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead also said the Scottish fishing industry and the fishing communities it sustains are sailing into calmer waters after years of stormy weather.
And he maintained the "fresh start" for fishermen promised by the Scottish government was starting to bear fruit.
Speaking at the event, Mr Lochhead said: "I am proud that Scotland's fishing industry is leading the way in Europe on fish stock conservation. We are continually pursuing and promoting sustainable fishing.
"That is why I am pleased to announce a new two-year independent observer programme following a successful pilot.
"The new scheme will allow skippers to test new ways of fishing sustainably and get verification that they are helping conserve cod stocks.
"Having independent observers on board will help speed the delivery of innovative measures, such as better net design throughout the Scottish fleet.
"The information collected will play an important role in the development of the initial Conservation Credits Scheme over the coming months, which in turn will make a tangible contribution to help drive down discard levels.
"There is a new mood of optimism in Scotland about the future of the fishing industry. A healthy future for the industry contributes to sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
"It won't be all plain sailing, for I believe we are well placed to not just respond to the challenge that lie ahead but to lead the way in Europe."
The independent observer programme will be publicly funded and delivered 500 observer days a year from July this year. A total of £500,000 will be committed to deliver the programme over two years.
On the crippling fuel costs facing the catching sector, Mr Lochhead later told a seminar at the show that he was well aware that the fuel issue was of particular concern to the catching sector, although every business sector was affected by what was a global issue.
But he went on: "I can give you a guarantee that we are going to sit down with you, the fishing industry, to explore every avenue we can explore on this issue.
"I can also give you a pledge that we will take the toughest line possible with the European Commission to try to ensure a level playing field on the fuel issue throughout Europe."
They could not have a situation where some countries in Europe were being helped by their government yet Scotland was powerless to do the same.
Meanwhile, Mr Lochhead also pledged that the Scottish Government would continue its campaign to lead the UK fisheries delegation at European fish talks.
This, he said, was very much a live issue.
Audience figures at the fisheries event were markedly up on yesterday, backing organisers hopes of a late surge in interest.