Real progress being made through sustainable fishing

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed a recent report from NAFC Marine Centre in Shetland, showing that the majority of accessed fish stocks are increasing in the North Sea and north-east Atlantic.

Commenting Mr Carmichael said: “All the media attention has been on the cod stock levels but this report demonstrates there have been significant increases in plaice and hake over the past few years. Last month the European Commission announced that there were 25 fish stocks that were known not to be overfished in European waters, compared with only two in 2005.

“This report is positive news for the fishing industry. It will, I hope, help in improving public perception of the industry.

“The continued move towards regional management announced in the new Common Fisheries Policy last month will help to build on this success. These will allow fishermen, scientists and conservationists to work together to ensure that we do not end up back where we were ten years ago.”