SDSG – 2014/03/07 – 2.2
2nd Meeting of the Scottish Discard Steering Group – Friday 17 January – Aberdeen
Attendees
Mike Palmer (Chair)
Louise Cunningham
Paul McCarthy
Bertie Armstrong
John Cox
Ian Hepburn
Kara Brydson
Frank Higgins
Simon Collins
Leslie Tait
James Anderson
Alan Coghill
Kevin McDonell
Ross Dougal
Jane Sandell
Mike Park
Iain MacSween
Sandy Patience
Heather Stewart
Sasha Maguire
Nick Bailey
Greig Chalmers
Item 2 – Action Grid From Previous Meeting
The Group discussed the Action Grid from previous meeting and confirmed that the
economic model would consider the impact of choke species. No other questions
raised.
Item 3 – Updates from Marine Scotland
The Group was informed of meetings between the North Sea and North West
Waters Regional Groups. It was noted that both groups are seeking to take the
initiative, that their remit is wider than just discards and both groups have
emphasised the need to work together. The importance of the regional groups
working constructively with the Advisory Councils was also noted.
The group was informed that the omnibus regulation had been tabled by the
Commission and that it was very complex and technical with a punishing schedule
which aimed to reach political agreement by April. It was agreed to arrange a
meeting between Marine Scotland and the industry to work through the
proposal.
Item 4 – Principles underlying the landing Obligation
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SDSG – 2014/03/07 – 2.2
The Group discussed the landing obligation on the basis of a papers from Bertie
Armstrong and Marine Scotland. It was agreed the landing obligation presented a
serious challenge and required everyone to work together to successfully implement
it. Flexibility was seen as key.
The discussion also covered the quota uplift and considered what the potential uplift
would be, how it would be allocated and whether other Member States un-fished
quota could be accessed.
Agreed to circulate principles document for any further revisions.
Item 5 – Projects Underway
The Group discussed and agreed changes to the projects grid.
Marine Scotland agreed to send round compiled discard data around the
group.
SAFPO informed the group of a meeting between SAFPO and Marine Scotland
noting the need to meet with the SFF to discuss use of observers.
SFA updated the Group on research Shetland vessels were performing,
demonstrating how diverse and abundant stocks were a serious problem under the
current regime where it was not possible to be more selective and remain viable. It
was noted the situation was similar for the smaller Orkney fleet.
The SWFPA reported it had spoken to a company about producing heat maps
showing where and when cod is caught, with results expected in weeks rather than
months.
The Group agreed to add all projects from all members to the grid.
LUNCH
Item 6 – Support for Vessels Running Trials
Marine Scotland introduced the item, reflecting on comments from first meeting.
Had decided against a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in favour of more tailored, bespoke
approach. Would take things forward on a case by case basis which would be
included in the trial design in order to avoid biasing the results of the trial. The
Group was content with this approach.
Item 7 – Industry Concerns on CCTV
The SFF introduced the item noting CCTV was only part of the tool box including
self-reporting and observers and agreed to circulate a joint RAC paper on CCTV
to the group.
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SDSG – 2014/03/07 – 2.2
In further discussion Marine Scotland informed the group that effort control had
discussed this at a senior level with the Cion who recognised the need to change if
CCTV was used. But believe the Cion will always see effort as part of the tool box.
Item 8 – Quota Convertibility
Marine Scotland introduced a paper on quota flexibility, noting the written comments
from the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association that being able to convert pelagic
species into one another would be very useful, which Marine Scotland agreed to
discuss with the pelagic association separately.
The Group noted concerns over the potential for increased mortality weaker stocks if
this provision significantly increases mortality on them and the possibility to use
proxies or other values to determine if stocks were within ‘safe biological limits’.
During discussions, the need for maximum flexibility was stressed and marine
Scotland agreed to take the comments on-board and think about them going
forward. It was also agreed that we seek to find a common approach with other
Member States on the application of these rules. Concern was expressed that TACs
would be reduced if the flexibilities resulted in significant additional mortality being
added to stocks.
Item 9 - AoB
It was noted that Coastal States meeting on mackerel had concluded without
agreement, but discussions would continue in London next week.
Item 10 - Conclusions
The group provisionally agreed to meet on 14 February in Edinburgh, though that is
dependent on the date for EU/Norway. Topics for that meeting potentially included
the outcome of SFF/SAFPO talks on observers and practical trials.
The Group also agreed the March meeting should be held in Edinburgh.
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