Also in the news / Also in the news: cod quota, chippy awards and more…
THE SHETLAND Fishermen’s Association (SFA) says it is lobbying the UK and Scottish Governments over next year’s cod quotas in order to prevent the local whitefish fleet having to tie up.
The association said it is pressing ministers and civil servants to recognise that zero catch quotas for cod, as advised by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), would be a “disaster for skippers and crew whose livelihoods depend upon the stock”.
Cod is part of what is known as a mixed fishery, meaning that is caught along with other whitefish, so denying fishermen the right to catch it would effectively be prohibiting them from catching any whitefish.
SFA executive officer Daniel Lawson said: “When it comes to defending the legitimate interests of the fleet, we have always sought to make our case in the strongest terms possible to government, and this latest situation is no different.
“We will be striving to get politicians and fisheries managers to recognise that the ICES advice on Northern Shelf cod is based on some highly questionable assumptions and to listen to our plea for a more cautious and evidence-based approach to protect both the cod stock and fishing communities.
“We will also be working hard to ensure that the Norwegian and EU governments understand that further quota reductions would not do anything to encourage growth in the cod stock.”
The SFA proposal includes extended spawning ground closures across the North Sea and enhanced real-time closures to protect juvenile cod, and voluntary 30 per cent TAC [total allowable catches] reductions for haddock and whiting to reduce cod bycatch in mixed fisheries.
SHETLAND Arts will be teaming up with the Shetland Foodbank for two special charity film screenings of Back to the Future in early November.
Customers will be able to bring a donation of non-perishable food items (or a money donation) and swap it for a ticket to see the film on the big screen. There is no need to book in advance.
Shetland Arts CEO Graeme Howell said “every donation, big or small, makes a difference, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming people along to Mareel for a great cause”.
The screenings are taking place on Sunday 2 November at 4pm (screen two) and 6.30pm on Thursday 6 November at 6.30pm (screen one).
THERE is a local nomination in this year’s Scottish Fish And Chip Awards.
Frankie’s in Brae is up for the ‘Best Fish Supper in the North-East’ award. Winners will be announced in November.
SCOTTISH Water says it has had to deal with 15 blockages in Shetland this year to date as it reiterates its message that wipes and sanitary products should not be flushed down the toilet.
The utility has had to deal with 2,383 “chokes” across Scotland during the year, with the most blockages – 215 – coming in Fife.
Scottish Water is asking people to help spread “key advice” such as binning wipes and only flushing the 3Ps – pee, poo and toilet paper – with friends and family to ensure the number of sewer blockages are reduced.
THE SCOTTISH Cup will be heading to Shetland next week as holders Aberdeen take it on tour.
The trophy will be on display for people see in the Clickimin in Lerwick on Wednesday between 10am and 4pm.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
