The Scottish seafood industry has received support by Raymond Blanc after news of EU plans to cut catches casts uncertainty over its future.
After witnessing the work undertaken by Seafood Scotland and the Scottish Skippers Scheme to improve sustainable and responsible practices, the Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons owner has announced his support for the use of Scottish seafood, pledging to use more of the country’s produce on his menus.
"The Scottish Government, scientists and fishermen are working together to monitor the fishing industry and because of this balanced and practical approach, I can look forward to putting cod, haddock and monkfish back on my menu,” he said.
“I am encouraged by the growing confidence in efforts to establish sustainable Scottish fisheries, especially as haddock is currently undergoing MSC assessment."
Last week the European Commission proposed to cut the catches of key fish in the North Sea by up to 25 per cent, banning hauls of cod, haddock and whiting off the West coast of Scotland. The move would be implemented as part of a plan to allow fish stocks to replenish, although it would mean potential disaster for already struggling fishing communities.
Fisheries secretary for Scotland Richard Lochhead, said: “We will be pressing Europe to avoid viewing substantial cuts in days at sea for the fleet as some kind of easy solution when in actual fact it would inflict unjustified economic damage on our fleet and onshore sector as well. As Scotland has shown this year, there are much better ways of safeguarding stocks."
Seafood Scotland chief executive Libby Woodhatch said she is “thrilled” with Blanc’s support for the safeguard of Scotiish seafood stocks, adding that “he has returned home with a positive idea of the measures being taken in Scotland to improve sustainability and quality throughout the industry.”
The European Agriculture and Fisheries Council will discuss the Cod Recovery Plan and EU-Norway fisheries negotiations when they meet in Brussels later today.