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RECORD landings of white fish on the Shetland Islands confirm the recovery of stocks in the North Sea, key industry sources have said.
At Lerwick and Scalloway 307,870 boxes of white fish, including cod and haddock, were brought ashore this year, the highest figure recorded in modern times.
The news comes as Brussels announced increased fishing quotas for Scottish fleets, which could lead to a £25 million boost for the industry, following evidence of stocks replenishing.
The North Sea cod quota will rise by 15 per cent, while the quota for haddock will increase by 47 per cent. |
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Research by Seafish, the publicly-funded body which represents the seafood industry, and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), published earlier this year, found North Sea cod was close to being certified as sustainable.
Despite this apparent good news for fishermen, Marine Conservation Society still advises consumers to refrain from buying North Sea cod, because it remains at historically low levels.
The environmental body has acknowledged that stock levels are recovering, however, after years of strict legislation in response to overfishing. |
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