Scottish monkfish, megrim and west coast langoustine numbers are increasing, according to scientists.
Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said yesterday increased quotas for these high value stocks – of vital importance to our fishing communities – could provide an additional £11million for Scotland’s fishing industry,
He was speaking after the latest scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (Ices), an influential network of international marine and fisheries scientists, highlighted promising signs for the three fisheries.
Ices, which gives guidance to the European Commission as part of the process for deciding how much of each species fishers can catch in the coming year, has proposed increases to the annual quotas.
Mrr Lochhead said: “It is encouraging that increases have been advised for our key stocks of monkfish, megrim and west of Scotland langoustine.
“This latest advice shows that we are moving in the right direction.”
But he warned there was still much work to be done during the end-of-year quota negotiations, adding: “The publication of this advice is the start of the annual process to determine what next year’s quotas will be.
“It will help to shape the priorities we will take into the autumn’s talks to secure the best possible deal for Scottish fishermen and our transition towards a white-fish discard ban, which is being phased in from January 1, 2016.”