McArthur hails innovative fishing development

1.21.16pm GMT Fri 5th Dec 2008

Liberal Democrat Fisheries spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has welcomed preliminary results from sea trails showing that a new net design has led to a significant reduction in the amount of small cod caught.

The Scottish Fishing Federation has hailed the results as an important contribution to conserving cod stocks.

The new net was developed by Orkney skipper Tam Harcus, one of Mr McArthur’s constituents.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

“Protecting our dwindling cod stocks is a vital part of supporting Scotland’s fishing industry. Footage of unavoidably caught cod being thrown back dead into the sea unfairly tarnishes the industry. And fishermen hate this waste.

“That is why innovative measures like the new net developed by my constituent, Tam Harcus, are so important. It brings closer the day when all fish caught can be landed and wasteful dumping can stop.

“The European Commission must recognise the impact this type of selective gear can have in combating discards. My colleague, Alistair Carmichael MP is in Brussels today for a meeting with EU Fisheries Commissioner, Joe Borg. He will be highlighting the success of Tam Harcus' efforts and urging the Commission to consider how such nets can be used more widely.”