SCOTTISH WHITE FISH PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION REACTS TO ICES COD ADVICE

Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association reacts to ICES cod advice. Reacting to advice published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommending a “zero catch” for Northern Shelf cod next year Mike Park, chief executive of the Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association (SWFPA), said:

“This is a mad proposal from an organisation that is fast losing any credibility.

“In the mixed fisheries that our vessels operate in, it is impossible to catch any fish without catching cod so this recommendation if implemented would wipe out the fleet at the stroke of a pen.

“ICES is drastically overstepping the mark into management of the Northern Shelf cod stock which is not their preserve.

“It is driven by an ultra precautionary approach to rebuilding the southern sub-stock, one of three that comprise the overall stock, on the basis that it mixes with the other two.

“It flies in the face of the commitment by North Sea countries to ensure the stock continues to grow, in other words trying to deliver an output that protects the stock while at the same time ensuring the fleets in these countries can remain in business.

“Governments will need to treat this advice with great caution as any acceptance of the advice could have very serious consequences indeed.”