Scottish fishing industry leaders have called for calm heads in the wake of scientific advice recommending a 20% cut to North Sea cod quotas.

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) have said the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) suggestion would "kill off businesses" as right now they are absolutely at the bone and that a further 20% would be “good night Vienna”.

According to the Scottish government the information released from ICES, which is only advice at this stage, clearly points to potentially another tough year for many sectors, particularly whitefish, to meet the EU’s stated conservation targets.

A spokesperson said "This advice suggests that the North Sea cod stock, while increasing in size, has not yet reached a sustainable level, and that the removal rate of cod has increased.

[Exactly what everyone with half a mind knew would happen as soon as the slightest indication of an increase was met by self centered demands for increased quotas.]

"There is concern among the some of the scientists involved over the basis of this final assessment, which has a significant degree of uncertainty because a number of countries did not submit data and this must be investigated.

"In the meantime, we will continue to demand that Europe recognises the innovation and sacrifice shown by the Scottish industry in tackling discards and reducing mortality."

WWF were reported as saying that the figures indicated that the current management system for North Sea cod had not been effective in controlling catches.

A decision on next year’s quota levels will be taken in December.

Related posts:

1. Final Quotas 2010
2. Mackerel Armageddon
3. Annual TACs and quotas