Press Release: Commission proposes multi-annual plan to secure the future of West of Scotland herring

The European Commission tabled a proposal for a Council regulation on a multi-annual plan for the management of herring fisheries to the West of Scotland. The proposal was intended to ensure the sustainability of the fishery and prevent any sudden increase in fishing pressure which could jeopardise its future. This will require adjusting the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) to achieve a high and sustainable yield by following scientific advice. The target fishing mortality rate (measure of catches) was set at 0.25 when the size of the spawning stock is greater than 75 000 tonnes, and 0.2 when it is between 75 000 tonnes and 50 000 tonnes. Should the stock fall below the 50 000 tonne level, the fishery would be closed, until it recovers.