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Effort and Quota Management Team
T: +44 (0)131 244 6443 F: +44 (0)131 244 6474
E: stuart.downes@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Owners of Scottish fishing vessels of length overall 10 metres and more
c: Members of the Fisheries Management and Conservation (FMAC) Group
Marine Scotland Compliance
Scottish Producer Organisations
Representatives of UK Fisheries Administrations.
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5 October 2012
CONSERVATION CREDITS SCHEME RULES: VERSION 3.5
1.
2.
TR2 HIGHLY SELECTIVE GEARS
ARRANGEMENTS FOR ‘STOPPING THE CLOCK’
This letter encloses a new version of the Conservation Credits Scheme Rules (version 3.5). This
version replaces all previous versions. It is your responsibility to read and understand these rules.
Marine Scotland apologises for the issue of a new version of scheme rules so soon after version 3.4,
but issues have come to our attention that require changes to the rules. This letter summarises the
changes.
These rules have effect from the date of issue.
TR2 HIGHLY SELECTIVE GEARS: SECTION 7 AND ANNEX C
These sections have been amended to:
i.
Adjust the specification of the Faithlie Cod Avoidance Panel to change the shape of the fish
outlet holes, following discussions between Marine Scotland gear technologists and gear
manufacturers. Skippers should note that the effect of these changes is to make the fish
outlet holes slightly smaller, so any skipper wishing to maintain the holes as specifed in
version 3.4 may do so and also conform to the specification in version 3.5;
ii.
Require vessels that must fish with highly selective gear to use that gear in ICES Area VIIa as
welll as in all other parts of the CRZ. This follows on from the introduction of highly selective
gear requirements for Northern Ireland vessels;
iii.
Highlight that vessels fishing with highly selective gears must also conform to statutory
requirements for the installation of SMPs in fishing gears; and,
iv.
Shorten the section by deleting parts that are now defunct.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR ‘STOPPING THE CLOCK’
A substantive change has been made to section 10 so as to change the arrangements that allow
fishing vessels to ‘stop the clock’ on the consumption of their days at sea allocation. With immediate
effect vessels will consume hours from their allocation only where they are absent from port in the
CRZ carrying regulated gears. Accordingly the clock may be stopped where vessels make a landing
or part landing or where they enter any port. Section 10 describes the new arrangements. Vessels
over 12m must submit a “Return to Port” message through their e log system. Vessels in the 10-12m
range must inform the UK call centre on 0131 271 9700 of their return to port or make a landing.
If you have any questions please contact your local Marine Scotland Fishery Office in the first
instance.
Yours sincerely
STUART DOWNES
Effort Control Manager