News / Cuts in ‘Days at Sea’ unjustified
AN UMBRELLA group of fish producer organisations has called on this week’s European fisheries council to reject European Commission proposals that seek further drastic cuts in fishing opportunities.
The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations said that despite scientific analysis that the Cod Recovery Plan doesn’t work the EC nevertheless proposes another substantial reduction in fishing effort.
This would bring several fleets to a halt without good reason, the EAPO said.
An EAPO spokesman said: “Continued cuts in effort (days at sea) by the Commission are unjustified. North Sea stocks including cod are continuing to improve under the current regime; further reductions in the time vessels can be at sea coupled with reduced quota will damage this recovery.
“What we need is common sense; fishermen don’t want to be forced to target small fish because they don’t have enough time to go further afield to catch bigger fish and they don’t want to have to discard good fish because the regulations require them to do so.”
EAPO President Sean O’Donoghue added: “The Commission has issued a set of unrealistic TAC and quota proposals for 2012 with arbitrary cuts across a large number of stocks.
“I am calling on the Council of Fisheries Ministers to reject these and replace them with a set of workable proposals that will enhance the sustainability of the stocks.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
