Today Mr Lochhead articulated his position by saying the Scottish government and industry representatives are absolutely united in their determination to oppose some of the EC’s current proposals as they stand as any solutions should reflect Scottish circumstances and not the convenience of the EC. The SFF began to publicise their views at the beginning [...]
EU measures to protect stocks such as cod, haddock, whiting and prawns are set to be introduced next year. It is proposed to close a substantial area of the west coast, from Shetland down to Stranraer, to commercial fishing. The European Fisheries Commission is calling for langoustine catches to be limited to boats fitted with [...]
An increase of 33% in the annual TAC for mackerel was agreed at the coastal states (EU, Faeroes and Iceland) fisheries negotiations last week. The basis for the increase was said to be improved management measures – hopefully this will be the case as the fishery has been penalised in the last few years for [...]
A petition was presented to Parliament in 1376 calling for the prohibition of a “subtlety contrived instrument called the wondyrchoum”. This was an early beam trawl with a wooden beam and a net 18 ft long and l0 ft wide “of so small a mesh, no manner of fish, however small, entering within it can [...]
Next Monday MEPs will debate a recovery plan for cod stocks in the N. Sea and W. Scotland. Although many people believe that the best way to promote a swift recovery of fish stocks is to ban all fisheries in endangered areas Mr Morillon, chair of the EU Parliament Fisheries Committee, set the basis of [...]
At the Tackle & Guns trade fair at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 19 Oct 2008, the Chairmen of all England’s angling representative bodies signed a merger agreement which, subject to various conditions being met, will see them become a single new organisation, The Angling Trust, which will represent anglers in England from 5 January [...]
Annually 100,000 tonnes of dead fish – worth £40 million – are dumped by Scottish fishermen. The EU fisheries commissioner yesterday indicated that although some fisheries groups in Scotland believe the best way to end discards is to revamp the quota system so that fishermen spend less time at sea in return for being allowed [...]
In its Silent Seas Report, the Marine Conservation Society says severe overfishing is the biggest environmental threat facing Britain and is having a profound effect on marine ecosystems. Simon Brockington, head of conservation at the MCS, said: “There’s a moral imperative: we simply shouldn’t be living in such a way that drives species to extinction.” [...]
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
Sign Up via the web
A charity registered in Scotland - No SC039015
