Too many fish still being netted in Britain's seas

Published on Wednesday 21 July 2010 17:36

MANY Scottish fish stocks continue to be caught at unsustainable levels, a major report has warned.

The five-year study examined the state of the UK's waters and the impacts of climate change, pollution and marine industries including fishing and energy production.

The Charting Progress 2 report for the UK and Scottish governments revealed that fish stocks have improved, with reductions in fishing and a greater proportion harvested sustainably than in the 1990s.

But the majority of fish stocks are still being caught at too-high rates. The study, which draws on evidence from scientists in marine agencies, research institutes, universities, environmental organisations and industries, also said a number of species in UK waters were suffering sharp declines.

Sharks and rays were particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure, the study said, while "overall the situation is still considerably worse than historical conditions".

Elsewhere among marine wildlife, harbour seals had declined dramatically in some areas since 2001 and numbers of some seabird species such as kittiwakes had been falling since the 1990s.

Litter, particularly plastic, was found on all beaches surveyed and was also recorded as far down as 1,000m below the surface of the sea.

The research also revealed that marine industries contributed 47 billion to the UK economy in 2008, with the lion's share of that created by the oil and gas industries.