New West of Scotland nephrops study takes off – Fishupdate.com
New West of Scotland nephrops study takes off Published: 01 February, 2006
THE Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish) is conducting a detailed survey of the West of Scotland nephrops sector. The survey is being carried out not only to assess fishermen’s views on the various issues affecting the west of Scotland nephrops industry, but to gauge the scale, nature and impact of these issues, and to present a summary of fishermen’s ideas for possible solutions.
Robert Stevenson, chief executive of the West of Scotland Fish Producers’ Organisation, said: “It is extremely important that fishermen involved in the nephrops sector in the west coast of Scotland take part in this study. Without their input it will be much harder to resolve the issues faced by the industry. I would encourage all fishermen to take part in this important study”
This study will look at management objectives for the fishery, the sustainability of the fishery, how to maximise catch value, and local fisheries management measures. This work will provide valuable information to fishermen’s associations and other representative bodies, such as the West of Four Fisheries Management Group (WOFFMG), and the proposed network of Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFG’s) currently being established in Scotland. Improving the quality of information available to such groups will assist in developing future inshore fishery management recommendations.
The study will target all vessel owners/skippers fishing nephrops in the area from Duncansby Head in the north, to the Mull of Galloway in the south (including Orkney and the Western Isles).
The Economics Team at Seafish, who are conducting the study, are contracted by the WOFFMG, with funding provided by Highland Marine Resources & Communities Scheme (HiMaRCS), The Scottish Executive and Seafish.
The success of this survey depends on as many nephrops vessel owners taking part as possible. Seafish acknowledges that the data collected on the survey form is confidential in nature and may constitute commercially sensitive information. The data collected will be used for Seafish’s own economic research and assessment purposes and will not be revealed or disclosed to any third party. However, this data may be analysed and published along with other data from the same survey, but will be anonymous.
Seafish staff will be in the west coast area over the following weeks. For further information on the survey, or if you wish to take part please contact:
Susan Anton, Economist, Seafish
T: 0131 524 8659 E: s_anton@seafish.co.uk
Richard Greene, Consultant, RSG Consulting
T: 01445 712 048 E: rsgconsult@btinternet.com
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