COD and haddock are under threat off Scotland’s west coast and conservation measures must be brought in to ensure the area’s fishing industry survives according to WWF Scotland who have concluded there is no profitable future for the west coast without long-term conservation measures, similar to those introduced in the North Sea are implemented off the west coast.

Louize Hill, the charity’s marine policy officer, said: "Most west of Scotland stocks still remain at risk, but it is now clear that sensible quotas alongside other conservation measures could help turn this situation around."

While stocks last

COD
Worth £16 million per year. Volume landed in 2008: 7,645 tonnes.
North Sea cod was showing early signs of recovery, due to more stringent quotas, Europe’s Cod Recovery Plan and Scotland’s Conservation Credit Scheme, and the support of the fishing industry.

HADDOCK
Worth £33m per year. Volume landed in 2008: 29,488 tonnes.
North Sea haddock was being "exploited sustainably" but WWF Scotland added: "However, on the west of Scotland, where a management plan is still only in the developmental phase, haddock stocks are being fished beyond safe limits."

WHITING
Worth £9m per year. Volume landed in 2008: 9,226 tonnes.
There was not enough information to judge whether whiting was being fished sustainably, but WWF Scotland is worried recently agreed quotas are 74 per cent higher than scientific advice recommends.

MONKFISH
Worth £28m per year. Volume landed in 2008: 10,086 tonnes.
Stocks appear to be healthy, according to the conservation group. However, more data is needed to assess accurately.

Related posts:

1. Commercial fisheries 2008 in summary
2. Relief for west coast prawners