THE environmental group WWF Scotland has welcomed an initiative by the industry to seek solutions to resolve the crisis in Scottish fisheries.

Scottish fishermen have protested that the “cod protection zone” which was agreed at last month’s EU fisheries deal, will not have the desired effect. The fishermen say that the area does not take into account areas where haddock can be fished, with minimal cod bycatch. The fishermen have proposed to take observers onboard fishing vessels to provide concrete evidence of their ability to target haddock, without endangering cod in certain areas. WWF Scotland supports the fishermen’s efforts to record information in the fishery and report back on their results on the condition that independent observers are on board ALL the vessels, and that any information is reported back on a real time basis to fisheries managers. Any actions must not contravene current regulations but inform regulators of a possible way forward in the management and recovery of our seas.

“Scottish fishermen have been allocated both cod and haddock quotas but under the current agreement there seems to be a problem for them being able to fulfil their haddock quota without adversely impacting on cod stocks. We are listening to the fishermen, who claim that they are able to target haddock , without jeopardising endangered cod stocks. If there is a more sustainable option to the one currently in place then it must be investigated. Observers on boats are crucial in proving the fisherman’s case.” says Helen McLachlan, Marine Policy Officer WWF Scotland.

Cod stocks in the North and Irish Seas and waters to the west of Scotland are in a perilous state and every effort must be made to aid their recovery. Whether or not the final decision reached in December 2003 was the most sustainable is doubtful, although the fact that a long term recovery plan was adopted is a step in the right direction. However, the details of this plan need to be the right ones and encompass a more pragmatic approach. Hasty deals at last months EU fisheries talks appear to have meant that the drawing up of cod protection zones were done without taking into consideration all of the information available.

“WWF is keen to see the best deal for fish stocks and fishing communities alike, where sustainable fisheries are put at the top of the agenda. Independent observers on board vessels offer an excellent way of recording exactly what is going on in a fishery. As long as they are incorporated into this proposal their approach appears to offer a pragmatic way forward at this stage. The data should be gathered within the next two months and reviewed. If it can be demonstrated that it is possible to fish for haddock in certain areas with a negligible bycatch of cod and that they will carry independent observers onboard to confirm this, then we will support the Scottish fishermen in this effort to secure a sustainable future for their industry. The results should be considered by the European Commission so that a more measured and longer term approach is adopted to ensure the recovery of our fisheries.” says Helen McLachlan, Marine Policy Officer WWF Scotland.

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