In the new EU deal West coast prawn fishermen were spared the closure of their fishing grounds. The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) said some conservation measures would represent a massive challenge for fishermen to implement. It is also told that this new regulation states that fishermen can continue fishing for prawns if they use more selective nets to reduce the capture of white fish, and use a range of other conservation measures.
According to the information the deal also included an expected 30% rise in the quota of North Sea cod and a similar increase for mackerel. Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead revealed that the future of the west coast fishing communities dominated this week’s negotiations and there will be huge relief that proposals to close the grounds have been successfully resisted.
He further said that the bulk of the west coast fleet will now be able to make a living in 2009 although a number of fishermen face a huge challenge in delivering the agreed conservation measures and we will work hard to help them stay viable. It is also said that the deal draws to a close the annual fisheries negotiations that have resulted in a number of breakthroughs but also some new challenges.
SFF CEO Bertie Armstrong opined that the EU had accepted the alternative proposals, which he said would ensure the continuation of fishing on the west coast. He explained that the challenge now is to get these measures in operation and prove that they will work. Greenpeace oceans campaigner Willie Mackenzie criticize the announcement saying it is disastrous for the fishing industry. The cod quota could lead to fishermen fishing themselves out of a job, because these catch levels could see an end to North Sea cod.
