Peterhead's Fruitful Bough is skippered by James West

The prawn boat Fruitful Bough was independently observed while it avoided catching cod.

Under the initiative, skippers are given extra days at sea if cod forms less than 5% of their catch.

The Peterhead vessel, skippered by James West, succeeded in meeting that target.

The scheme is part of a bid to stop unwanted fish being caught, protecting vulnerable stocks.

Funded by the Scottish Government and jointly developed with the industry, the pilot scheme aims to test how effective such incentives are in conserving cod stocks.

We are fully committed to ensuring healthy stocks of cod and the recent scientific evidence is encouraging Richard Lochhead Rural Affairs Secretary

Skipper Mr West said: "I very much welcome this initiative - it worked really well.

"The observer witnessed every haul and his work did not impede my crew.

"I would recommend it to other skippers who need extra days."

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said he was "delighted" the skipper and crew had been the first to show that the scheme could work both for conservation and for fishermen.

'Skippers rewarded'

Mr Lochhead said: "The Scottish Government promised at the outset a fresh start for our fisheries and fresh ideas. This pilot and the real time voluntary closures were developed jointly with the industry.

"We are fully committed to ensuring healthy stocks of cod and the recent scientific evidence is encouraging.

The pilot scheme is aimed at conserving fish stocks

"Scottish skippers will be rewarded for their ability and expertise in avoiding cod. It is essential to harness the skill and knowledge of fishermen in order to allow other forms of fishing with minimal by-catches."

He explained: "This pilot will provide us with valuable information which will help us set about building a better plan for recovering stocks."

Mr Lochhead added: "The Trawlermen series gave the whole of Britain a real insight into the daily dangers and challenges at sea faced by our fishermen to get fish on our plates."

Trawlermen returned for a second series earlier this year.

Millions of viewers the daily dangers faced by Peterhead fishermen.