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Photo courtesy of Ivan Reid/SFA
SFA statement on quota reductions
UNITED KINGDOM
Wednesday, December 04, 2024, 09:00 (GMT + 9)
Shetland Fishermen’s Association has warned that a failure to invest in fisheries science is leading to an unfair reduction of quotas, and an economic loss to the isles.
Photo: SFA
The annual fisheries agreement between the UK, Norway and the European Union has been finalised: confirming quota levels for six key commercial stocks in 2025.
- Herring -23.9%
- Haddock -5.5%
- Cod -20%
- Plaice +14.2%
- Saithe +7%
- Whiting +46%
.jpg) SFA executive officer Daniel Lawson said: “Quota setting for 2025 has been plagued by scientific uncertainties, with advice for important fish stocks found to contain errors and being re-issued at the last moment.
“The quota cut for cod is due to a lack of understanding about the mixing of different genetic sub-stocks. The swing in herring quota is also disappointing. Despite it apparently being our best assessed fish stock and monitored for decades, it is a fishery beset by volatile scientific advice – even with continued investment from industry to supply scientists with good data.
“This is not the fault of fishermen, but it is they and their businesses which end up paying the price for scientific shortcomings.
“Fishing crews in Shetland appreciate that both UK and Scottish Government negotiators have worked hard in the national interest, but – until we see re-investment in fisheries science – these quota talks, and the livelihoods of our members, will continue to be hampered by uncertainties, unknowns and instability.”
The annual fisheries agreement between the UK and the EU, still to be confirmed, will set the quotas for several other important commercial species – and give fishermen a more complete understanding of the outlook for next year.
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