Even the thickness of twine used in fishing nets can affect the amount of juvenile fish caught indirectly and discarded. Square meshed panels in trawl nets used to catch white fish were introduced to the Scottish fishing fleet this year. The panels make it easier for young fish to escape from trawls. A plan launched this year to rebuild cod populations in the Irish Sea involved closing areas to fishermen during the spawning season from February 14 to April 30. Technical measures to enable young fish to escape from trawl nets were implemented.
White fish are ever popular on the plate but harder to find in the North Sea.
The IEEP study surveys what little agri-fishery funding has taken place, including details of schemes in the Netherlands, Ireland, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Greece. It suggests that until then, national fisheries should be encouraged to apply for funds under existing schemes operated by the environment and fisheries directorates of the European Commission. Environmental Data Services Ltd, London. All Rights Reserved. Inc. All Rights Reserved.