Overfishing has reduced fish populations and biodiversity across much of the world’s oceans. In response, fisheries are increasingly reliant on a handful of highly valuable shellfish. However, new research by the University of York shows this approach to be extremely risky. The research, published today in the journal Fish and Fisheries, shows that traditional fisheries [...]
People interested in influencing the management of inshore fisheries around the North West of England are being encouraged to apply to join the regions’ inshore fisheries and conservation authority (IFCA). The IFCAs, of which there are 10 around the English coastline, are responsible for the sustainable management of sea fisheries within 6 nautical miles from [...]
You may be interested to note that on 29 April, the Scottish Government published a report ‘Europe 2020: Scottish National Reform Programme 2013’ which sets out the actions that are being taken forward across Scotland to support the delivery of the ambitions set out in Europe 2020 – the European Union’s strategy for delivering smart, [...]
Waitrose has pledged to source all its seafood from independently certified sources, with an industry leading deadline of the end of 2016. Jeremy Langley, fish buyer for the retail chain said: “For us, this pledge feels like a natural evolution of our long-standing responsible fishing policy. We started to have concerns over stocks of some [...]
Marine Scotland (MS) has turned down a licence application from GlaxoSmithKline to install 15 turbines at the mouth of Montrose Basin. MS said it would not issue a marine licence due to the site being designated as a special protection area, a site of special scientific interest and a special area of conservation. In a [...]
The Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation (SCFF), the national trade association for the creel fishing industry has launched a website. According to the home page, creel fishing is a traditional and sustainable form of coastal fishing for shell fish that supports more jobs around the coastline of Scotland than any other type of fishery. Creel fishing [...]
Thirty-eight members of the European Parliament from 18 member states, including four UK MEPS, have called for each EU government to play a ‘constructive role’ in fisheries reform. In a statement released on April 30th 2013, the MEPs warned that if a minority blocked the reforms ahead of the May 2 meeting, when the Irish [...]
Are fish a private commodity or a ‘public good’ held in trust by the government on behalf of all citizens.? A landmark case which could answer that question is about to get underway. Commercial fishermen, represented by the UK Association of Fish Producer Organisations (UKAFPO), have taken Defra to court arguing that reallocating part of [...]
SSACN’s Give Fish A Chance (GFAC) initiative reflects the fact that many anglers are keen to do what they can to ensure the minimal impact to the environment and to the fish themselves.
Fish sustainably, only take fish for the table which have had a chance to reproduce and have respect for those you do catch.
Weighing fish by measuring them helps minimize any potential harm to the fish. Just enter the measurement (in cms) of your fish and the calculator will do the rest!
Interactive graphs and downloadable charts presenting weight for length in cms/lbs may be found here
Marine Scotland has circulated the first Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Newsletter. The first draft of a Management Handbook has been made available for comment; a second draft is planned to be available shortly incorporating comments that have been received. SNH/JNCC have delivered scientific advice on nature conservation MPAs to ministers. This advice package, Advice to [...]
Marine renewables and offshore wind
Marine Scotland has commenced its review of the Plan for Offshore Wind Energy. It is also updating the 2007 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of wave and tidal energy. Finalised plans for all three technologies will be adopted in 2013. The Plans will be brought together and accompanied by an integrated ‘Sustainability Appraisal’. This will include [...]
Consultation on the draft Statutory Instrument ‘The Draft Scottish Marine Regions Order 2013’ ends on 28/02/13. The paper which was published for consultation on 6 December 2012 establishes the boundary co-ordinates for Scottish Marine Regions . The consultation is seeking views on the draft legislation; the co-ordinates establishing the marine regions boundaries; the names of [...]
University of Aberdeen – workshop invitation
Workshop invitation: The value of the marine environment to divers and sea anglers We would like to invite you to take part in at least one of the two workshops that we are running in Aberdeen. These will be held on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th February, at Aberdeen Arts Centre (33 King Street, Aberdeen [...]
DG Mare – Atlantic Strategy–Public call
DG Mare has now issued a public call for suggestions for research and investment priorities within the Atlantic area. The intention of the call is to generate a set of research and investment priorities to be brought under an Atlantic Strategy Action Plan, expected around April 2013. The Action Plan is to help guide strategic [...]
The UK Environment Minister, Richard Benyon, has announced the start of the public consultation on Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). The consultation document and annexes can be viewed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/open/. The public consultation will run until midnight on 31 March 2013, and will give everyone with an interest in the marine environment the opportunity to provide [...]
Sharkatag – 14/15/16 June
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