Scottish fishermen should expect a “bumper” 2016 after Richard Lochhead promised to increase quotas to help mitigate the discard ban.
The fisheries secretary has said the half-billion pound industry will enjoy a “double-boost” as a result of the changes, with some North Sea quotas expected to increase by more than 50%.
Quotas on many fish stocks are already rising by thousands of tonnes in 2016, with Mr Lochhead now pledging a further “top-up” to help fishermen deal with the incoming discard ban.
But industry groups will first have to show how they will comply with tough new EU rules on discarding before they will be allowed to fish more.
The Moray MSP also promised to battle “challenging” reductions in the quotas for other North Sea stocks, including prawns and whiting, which will be reduced by 17% and 15% respectively.
Mr Lochhead said: “To help fishermen adapt to the challenges of the discard ban we will provide additional quota for those stocks coming under the ban next year.
“That will mean a double boost for haddock, for example, with an additional top-up over and above the advised 30% increase, resulting in a potential bumper increase of 56%.
“This quota will be allocated once the relevant industry groups have submitted a discard ban management plan outlining how they will encourage fishermen to make positive changes to their fishing practices.”
Mr Lochhead, who made the announcement at the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation annual dinner in Edinburgh, also outlined how rising stocks have allowed quotas to rise.
North Sea cod has been recommended to increase by 15%, while haddock will increase by at least 30%.
Monkfish will also rise by 20%, while Rockall Haddock will rise by 25%.
Mr Lochhead added: “The fishing industry is very important to Scotland’s economy and contributes over £500million in revenues a year.
“It supports a lot of jobs in Scotland. It’s great to hear that the fishing has been good over the last year, with a growing
abundance of key commercial stocks promising to keep businesses buoyant.
“However we know there is more to do, which is why the Scottish Government will continue to support our fishing industry and their communities as they seek to overcome a variety of challenges.”
The “top-up” quota will be allocated based on recorded landings of vessels’ main quota stock between 2013-15 and will be reviewed throughout 2016.