Skippers would raise the alarm about stocks of small cod

Rural Affairs Minister Richard Lochhead revealed the idea ahead of a planned visit to Fraserburgh on Wednesday.

Mr Lochhead is discussing the voluntary scheme of "real-time closures" with industry representatives.

Areas would be closed when undersize cod were spotted to protect these stocks, which if caught at present have to be discarded.

This plan has all the right ingredients and we will work hard to help shape the ideas into practical reality Bertie Armstrong Scottish Fishermen's Federation

It is not intended that such a new voluntary scheme, which has industry support, would replace existing statutory closures.

Mr Lochhead said: "The new Scottish government pledged at the outset a fresh start for Scotland's fisheries. That means fresh thinking and taking the lead.

"There is strong support for developing a system of voluntary real-time closures of sea areas with a high abundance of juvenile cod.

"Skippers themselves would be closely involved in the development and assessment of such a scheme ensuring best use is made of real-time information and action."

'International lead'

He went on: "Fishermen recognise their obligations to safeguard their futures and are already leading Europe in fisheries conservation. This is yet another example of their leadership and forward thinking.

"I am keen to see a formal proposal worked up with the industry over the coming weeks.

"This is a very good opportunity for Scotland take the international lead with an innovative approach which can make a real difference. Sensible conservation of a valuable fishing stock is in everybody's long-term interest."

My members continue to support sustainable development, including constructive ideas such as real-time closures to protect small cod Mike Park Scottish White Fish Producers Association

Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF), said: "The best, most effective measures for protection of fish stocks are those with industry support from all nationalities in that fishery.

"This plan has all the right ingredients and we will work hard to help shape the ideas into practical reality."

'Positive step'

Mike Park, executive chairman of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA), said: "My association welcomed this initiative and my members continue to support sustainable development, including constructive ideas such as real-time closures to protect small cod.

"This pilot project is seen by our members as one of a number of measures to achieve a balanced equation between stock regeneration and economic opportunity."

Helen McLachlan, of WWF, commented: "WWF welcomes this initiative as a positive step towards combating the wasteful capture of juvenile cod.

"It seems quite obvious but small fish need to be left to grow to maturity when they can help recover the population. Hopefully this measure will help this happen.

"It is clear that for cod to recover effectively other measures are needed, but this is an important initiative which will hopefully gain the involvement of other EU countries and Norway to maximise its effectiveness."