Letter: Future of fishing

THAT North Sea haddock has been awarded Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification (your report, 30 October) should be seen as a positive and timely development.

The award offers a great incentive to the Scottish whitefish fleet in its efforts to catch less and make more of its fisheries.

There is no doubt the innovative conservation and governance measures set up in recent years, in particular under the Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme, are central to the progress being made.

Scotland must continue to show leadership to ensure all fish stocks currently overfished enjoy similar success. As sustainable fisheries help secure jobs and help to protect the wider marine environment WWF would like to see 100 per cent of Scottish fisheries certified sustainable. As we approach Holyrood elections we urge all parties to commit to offer support to help all Scottish fisheries achieve MSC certification.

(Dr) Mireille Thom

WWF Scotland

Little Dunkeld

Dunkeld, Perthshire