25
Mar
Scientists talk sense
Says Bertie Armstrong, the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation chief executive.
In a recent interview he said the Scottish industry had “got real about conservation” and “It’s now absolutely recognised that the scientists are not talking nonsense.”
This is the biggest change of attitude since his admissions last year that the catching sector in the past were actually guilty of depleting stocks.
What’s driving this, perhaps the catching sector are finally beginning to recognise that if they don’t conserve fish stocks, fishing down the foodchain will ultimately lead to commercial failure and the destruction of what is left of the fleet.
Pity it’s taken them so long to accept what everyone else could see, however, the real test will be in how willing they are to work at regenerating stocks rather than just making the right noises in order to get additional quota or days at sea.