Calls to ban cod catches next year
October 22nd, 2006 by Fishing admin
Environmentalists clashed with the fishing industry yesterday over calls to ban cod catches next year.
The advice came from the scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) who say the move is necessary to boost stocks in UK waters.
The findings, which were predicted earlier this week, are contained in a report published yesterday which will be considered by European fisheries ministers when they meet later this year to set 2007 quotas.
Environmental group WWF called on the European Commission and the European Union Ministers to heed the advice and take urgent action to safeguard fish stocks across Europe.
“The majority of European fish stocks are in a parlous state as a result of their mismanagement,” said Helen McLachlan, of WWF Scotland.
“It is time the politicians responsible made serious commitments to recovering the fish stocks by heeding the best scientific advice available.”
The fishing industry warned against “irresponsible” suggestions that failed to take account of the social and economic consequences.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said talks would continue in the run-up to the December meeting to ensure a sensible path was taken.
Chief executive Bertie Armstrong said: “Unbalanced measures at this stage will threaten overall viability of large sections of the fleet.”
On Thursday European Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg said during a visit to Scotland in which he met people from the fishing industry: “We want to try and work out a solution which does not prejudice possibilities for the recovery of cod, but takes into account what the realities and concerns of the fishermen are so that we try to avoid unnecessary hardship.”
ICES wants reductions in plaice and sole catches and a ban on shark fishing. It also said stocks of sand eel and anchovy remain below sustainable limits.