The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has angrily dismissed some media reports on a scientific study of the number of adult cod in the North Sea, criticising their failure to give a true account of the status of the stock.
Several media reports stated this week that ‘only 100 adult cod’ were left in the North Sea, based on scientific research carried out by Cefas, the government fisheries laboratory.
Bertie Armstrong, chief executive, SFF, said: “This is a classic example of the cherry picking of the facts without providing a balanced report on the true situation. According to current scientific research, the stock is showing clear signs of recovery in that the spawning stock biomass is increasing and fishing mortality is decreasing.”
He added: “Cod mature and spawn well before the age of 13 and so are therefore contributing to the stock biomass on an annual basis. However, maturity is directly related to both age and size and it is recognised that most cod of four to five years old are mature.”
The SFF argues that conservation efforts from fishermen are helping North Sea cod stocks to recover – other scientific studies have shown that 100% of five years old were mature. Technical modifications to fishing gear and real time area closures are also helping to ensure a sustainable future for cod.
