Fishermen and scientists in Shetland have secured £125,000 for a study that will compare industry and scientific perceptions of northern North Sea whiting, a species which is worth over £8 million to Scottish vessels. The money comes as part of a Marine Scotland package to boost the conservation credentials of Scotland’s fishing sector.
Report says that the funding of £243,000 has been allocated to the Scottish Industry/Science Partnership (SISP) for five projects covering the Firth of Forth, Western Isles, east coast, west coast and the northern North Sea. The partners for both these projects include the NAFC Marine Centre, Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, Shetland Fishermen’s Association and Orkney Fisheries Association.
Leslie Tait, chairman of Shetland Fishermen’s Association, said that it is good to see that the project is going ahead. Shetland fishermen have been reporting large and increasing abundances of whiting in the waters around Shetland. Tait is hopeful that this study can help illustrate why there is a different perception of the stock and bring scientists and fishermen closer together.
Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead has announced the projects saying the standard of applications this year was extremely high. The partnership continues to generate innovative research programmes which give fishermen a vital input. He told that this funding can enhance Scotland’s impressive conservation credentials, and help bridge the gap between fisheries scientists and the catching sector.
