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The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme Moving fisheries management towards conservation. Dr Richard Dixon / Louize Hill WWF Scotland. What is the Conservation Credits Scheme ? credits fishermen for taking conservation measures with extra days at sea.
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The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme Moving fisheries management towards conservation Dr Richard Dixon / Louize Hill WWF Scotland
What is the Conservation Credits Scheme ? • credits fishermen for taking conservation measures with extra days at sea. • conservation measures decided on by a Steering Group which meets monthly • industry’s ownership of the measures means they are understood and therefore followed • dynamic and responsive, so measures are adapted and revised according to any changes in either resources or opportunity
The key measures under the scheme: • Closures – real time, seasonal and permanent • Gear regulations – one net rule, selective gear • High grading ban • Observers – human and onboard cameras (REM) • Effort management
Selective gear Figures from WWF document: “Effective discard reduction in European fisheries - Options for fishers and fisheries managers”
Observers Onboard cameras Images from: “Final Report of Fully Documented Fishery” by J. Dalskov and L. Kindt-Larsen, DTU, Sept 2009
Who is involved in the Scheme ? • Scottish Government • Marine Scotland Science scientists • Fishing industry representatives • Retailer and processor representatives (since Dec 09) • Environmental NGOs (WWF) • Observers
Reasons why WWF supports the Scheme • It is innovative – a rare example of government, industry and NGOs working together towards a common goal (cod conservation) • A good example of how regional governance and co-management can work • A step away from top down management • The direction WWF would like to see CFP reform going
Why WWF is promoting this Scheme globally ? • a model that can be applied in many ecosystems • we want to see Government, industry and NGOs working together to find local solutions to their management challenges • each individual Scheme will be unique and will address the specific conservation issues of their fisheries
For further information A document explaining the scheme in more detail can be downloaded from: http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf Otherwise please contact: Louize Hill – lhill@wwfscotland.org.uk