A £500,000 two year observer programme that will deliver independent verification of ground-breaking fish conservation measures was announced today.
The programme, 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 conference in Glasgow, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead also said the Scottish fishing industry and the fishing communities it sustains are sailing into calmer waters after years of stormy weather.
He said the fresh start for fishermen promised by the Scottish Government was starting to bear fruit.
Speaking at the conference, 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 up 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 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 but I believe we are well placed to not just respond to the challenges that lie ahead, but to lead the way in Europe.
“We promised a fresh approach to fisheries in Scotland and I believe we are now starting to deliver.”
The Independent Observers Programme will be publicly funded and deliver 500 observer days a year from July 2008. £500,000 will be committed to deliver the programme over two years. The 2007 pilot observer had 100 days at sea.
