The first trial of new selective gears is underway in the North Sea, as Scotland''s ''land more, catch less'' approach gathers momentum.
The Fraserburgh-registered Caspian, a whitefish boat, is one of five vessels taking part. Both whitefish and prawn gears will be used in the trials.
Last Friday the Caspian started using equipment which prevents unwanted cod from being discarded, whilst at the same time allowing groundfish such as monkfish and megrim to be caught.
Trials scheduled for the New Year will use different equipment to release cod whilst allowing other whitefish such as haddock and whiting to be retained.
The £250,000 trial, which relies on Scottish boats and local crews, uses industry observers to monitor the trials and collect the data.
