SCOTLAND is to pioneer a unique fishery conservation scheme in which skippers will police themselves.
It will be the first country in Europe to use the new scheme, aimed at conserving North Sea cod stocks.
Skippers will sound the alarm when they discover stocks of small cod. And the affected areas will be covered by a voluntary fishing ban, which
boats from other countries will be "encouraged" to comply with.
The scheme took effect yesterday and will complement rather than replace existing measures.
It was announced by fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead, who said: "The new Scottish government pledged at the outset a fresh start for Scotland's fisheries. That means fresh thinking and taking the lead."
The minister said the scheme would make a strong contribution to the recovery of cod stocks.
"Fishermen in Scotland are showing real leadership and are setting an example to the rest of Europe," he said. "With information gained from this voluntary scheme and in discussions with other member states, Scotland can lead in developing a formal proposal for the European Commission."
The scheme was welcomed by environmental campaigner WWF. Helen McLachlan, senior marine policy officer for WWF, said: "If implemented rigorously, this scheme could help population recovery by reducing the capture of juvenile cod.
"This should stand the UK in good stead to negotiate a system that will have the much-needed involvement of Norway and other EU member states who also impact on cod populations."
