The idea is being discussed by fishing industry representatives during a series of meetings today in Fraserburgh with fisheries minister Richard Lochhead.

Under such a proposal, skippers at sea would themselves sound the alert when they encounter stocks of small cod. Voluntary closure would then apply to protect these stocks which, if caught at present, have to be discarded.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said: “The SNP has said all along that a new approach is needed to the conservation of our vulnerable fish stocks.

“It therefore is only common sense that we seek to involve and listen to those who know the sea best and who have most to lose if conservation action is not taken in an appropriate manner – the fishermen themselves.

“I am heartened by the early indications of support for the proposal from both fishing industry bodies and conservation bodies alike. Sensible measures to conserve our fish stocks are in everyone’s interest and I am pleased to see progress is being made by the new SNP Government on this.”

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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