Fishermen
demonstrate almost zero discards in latest MMO trial
November 2012. Discards - where fish are thrown away at sea - have been
virtually eliminated by fishermen taking part in current trials, according to
the latest catch quota report from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
The
report shows discards of important stocks such as sole, cod, plaice, megrim and
anglerfish have been drastically reduced in the trials carried out by the MMO
through 2012 with North Sea and West Channel fishermen. This year's trials have
increased both the number of vessels and the number of species involved since
beginning in 2011.
The
MMO is operating the trials on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs as part of the UK's initiative to tackle the problem of
discarding fish - where fish are thrown away at sea if they are too small or
there is no quota left for a particular species.
The
MMO's report details how the practice could be an alternative method of
managing fisheries, at a time when the Common Fisheries Policy is undergoing
reform. The trials encourage fishermen to fish more selectively and land all of
what they catch. Participating vessels were provided with additional quota that
amounted to three quarters of the amount typically discarded in these
fisheries.
Seven vessels took part in the trials in the South West along with twelve in the North Sea. The boats were not permitted to discard any of the species in the trials, including those below the minimum size. They had to land all of the fish of these species that they caught so they all counted against their quota. Data from onboard monitoring equipment, including CCTV cameras, was used to check the conditions of the trial were adhered to. Catches of undersized fish in the trial were also low, suggesting that boats are fishing more selectively.
Seven vessels took part in the trials in the South West along with twelve in the North Sea. The boats were not permitted to discard any of the species in the trials, including those below the minimum size. They had to land all of the fish of these species that they caught so they all counted against their quota. Data from onboard monitoring equipment, including CCTV cameras, was used to check the conditions of the trial were adhered to. Catches of undersized fish in the trial were also low, suggesting that boats are fishing more selectively.
James
Cross, Chief Executive of the MMO, said: "This is really good news for all
those interested in a long-term, sustainable future for our fishing industry.
By working with fishermen to develop innovative solutions, we hope to reduce
waste of our marine resources while increasing healthy seas and fish stocks for
the future."
"The
excellent results of the latest trials show how important working together can
be for finding alternative ways of managing fisheries."
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