The Cabinet Secretary will also press for greater regionalised control of the fishing industry through reform of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy.

Richard Lochhead is meeting with UK Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon today (November 1) and will emphasise that cuts in fishing effort need to be put on hold.

Mr Lochhead said: "Scottish fishermen have worked tirelessly to help stock recovery. However to take a further cut in fishing time under the cod recovery plan, on top of increasingly deep cuts already applied over the last few years, would be too much for a vulnerable fleet. We do not yet know the outcome of the current review of the plan. Therefore effort cuts need to be put on hold until the review is complete.

"I will discuss this urgent matter with Mr Benyon and look at how a pause could be delivered.  I will of course also emphasise the need to work closely with industry to develop measures that significantly improve fishing selectivity and reduce discards, measures which can reduce the effects of any proposed effort cuts."

Meanwhile tomorrow (November 2) Mr Lochhead will appear before the Westminster Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. He will highlight the need for more concrete proposals from the European Commission on how greater decentralisation of fisheries management will be put into effect.

Mr Lochhead said: "The Common Fisheries Policy has had a devastating impact on fisheries and greater decentralisation will be an important and progressive change.

"I'll also emphasise the threat to the Scottish industry that internationally tradable quotas represents - we must protect our historic fishing rights and I will not accept selling off fishing opportunities to the highest bidder. This would short-change future generations of Scottish fishermen and decimate coastal communities."

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