SCOTTISH FISHERMEN PLEDGE TO REBUILD COD STOCKS

Scottish fishermen pledge to rebuild cod stocks again according to a statement from Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG).

Mike Park, Chairman of the Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG), said: “The latest ICES advice on North Sea cod is a hammer blow to an industry that has been instrumental over the past decade in rebuilding this stock to the point where Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) accreditation was achieved two years ago.

“The primary cause of this twist of fortune, the scientists tell us, is related to climate change and regime shift, which may be having areal and very significant negative impact on the essential elements that lead to good recruitment.

“That means that the situation is not fully within our control, however the industry remains 100% committed to sustainable catching and is united in its desire to do what it takes to rebuild the cod stock. The sector has already engaged internally to map out the next, important steps.

“Those who know the fishing industry and the determination of those who go to sea for a living will recognise that they never shirk a challenge. We rebuilt this stock before and we are determined to do it again.”

About Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group

One of the primary aims of the group is to support sustainable management and exploitation of the demersal fisheries in which they operate. As such, the group provides an ideal platform with which to develop and pursue a sustainable certification programme for commercially important demersal fisheries.

The group appreciates that the UK and international marketplace is constantly seeking responsible and sustainable supplies of premium quality seafood. The focus of the group is to develop and achieve a programme of sustainable Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification which is intended to maximise the benefit for the supply chain and industry as a whole.

Through this activity, the group aims to maintain a range of MSC certified stocks which will enhance the reputation and market preference for these species, and provide additional environmental standing for seafood generally. This will greatly support industry to market the sustainable provenance alongside the high quality reputation with which Scottish whitefish is rightly renowned.

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