March 11, 2013 — According to the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), reports of a huge cod abundance in the North Sea is a direct result of a dramatic decline in fishing effort and the introduction of conservation initiatives by the Scottish fishing fleet.
According to Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics, the fishing effort declined by 70% between 2000 and 2011. The latest scientific figures from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) have revealed that the spawning stock biomass of North Sea cod increased by 250% between 2006 to 2012, while fishing mortality for cod declined by 43% between 2000 and 2011.
The reports follow video footage being aired on TV news bulletins this week showing a large haul of cod being taken aboard a fishing vessel in the North Sea. The SFF says scientific evidence is also backing the experience of fishermen on the fishing ground.
Read the full story at World Fishing & Aquaculture