Stakeholder Response Mike Park Scottish Whitefish Producers Association

The Three Main Components Biological ― do we have enough knowledge? ― are we going in the right direction ― is modeling the right way to go? Social ― Do fishermen understand the concept? ― What response should we expect? Economic ― What do fishers require for long term profitability? ― can these models fill the void ? ― can we trust them?

Economics of the Industry The UK has a claim to 84% of the EU allocation of North Sea haddock ― Scotland catches and lands over 90% of it. North Sea haddock makes up over 30% of UK’s demersal opportunities. The catching sector is now responding well to the prospect of creating 3-5 year business plans. Commercial awareness is a prerequisite of success for any business, including fishing ― scenario planning is essential. The sector is now keen to manage the risk, now that its making money again (it’s very difficult to be green while your in the red). Market awareness is a main component of the industries strategy ― sustainable development is a key component.

Social response to change Are these models another tool of an oppressive management regime? ― or are they a useful tool to advise the process of change and manage the risk on the path of change? ― Industry involvement in the process has certainly created buy-in. Fishermen developed a long standing response to management measures ― typically to counteract them in very innovative ways. If they act in a negative way it prejudices the output of the tool. Change will require results (the long term haddock management plan delivered less in 2008 than 2007) ― Its akin to asking the public to deal in futures and hedge funds rather than stocks and shares ― it can be a complex issue. A move to MSC accreditation of many North Sea Stocks dictates that attitudes have to change, and that tools to advise change are required.

Biology ― The ‘model’ ‘Coby’s model’ was created to quantify the medium term effect of the haddock management plan (EU- Norway). Industry involvement was a necessary component of buy in ― the process has been inclusive. The model seems to be moderately robust ― only time can be the judge of that however. There is a need to guard against using the model as a proxy for reality ― it is after all a snap shot of a single species in a very elaborate multi species environment. The model has a limited range of usefulness ― for it to have longevity it has to remain dynamic A commitment falls on the catching sector to provide more data.

Stakeholder Response Mike Park Scottish Whitefish Producers Association