Real Time Closures
Since 2007, Scotland has operated a system of “real-time” closures of sea areas where there are concentrations of cod. This system of closures is designed to help the continuing recovery of cod stocks in the waters around Scotland.
The Real Time Closure scheme is one of the ‘conservation credit’ measures that Scotland has taken under the EU’s Cod Recovery Plan to allow Scottish vessels more time at sea in return for adopting conservation-minded fishing practices.
2010 Scheme Arrangements from July 1st onwards
The overall size of each closed area shall increase from 7.5nm x 7.5nm to a new maximum size of 15nm x 15nm Inside 12 miles Marine Scotland will, where the trigger level has been achieved, consider in consultation with the CCSG the nature and extent of the need for any closure in relation to current and anticipated fishing activity. The RTC scheme continues to apply to all waters in the Scottish Zone and beyond where Scottish vessels are operating outwith the 12 mile limit.
We are in addition investigating (June 2010) the possibility of creating a very small group of industry contacts to confirm the appropriateness of these new larger areas prior to implementation whilst maintaining the real time element. Marine Scotland's view shall be final in all circumstances.
Where any dispute cannot be resolved the area shall default to a square with sides of equal length. There will be potential for further amendment after discussions between industry representatives and Marine Scotland. The shape and size of any closed area shall in the first instance be agreed between the Marine Scotland boarding officer and the Master of the fishing vessel.
The key features of real time closures scheme are as follows:
- A minimum of 40 cod per hour's fishing effort will indicate a high abundance
- Any closed area will be definted by a maximum of 6 points - there will be a maximum level of 11 closures (plus 3 in the event of a positive sample) set at any one time
- There will be no closed areas within the 12 mile zone, unless exceptional circumstances exists
- This is referred to as Logged Per Unit Effort (LPUE). This will be in relation to time spend fishing as identified by VMS information. In the absense of enough samples, they will be based on the highest ranked areas in relation to Cost recorded on log sheets. Each closure will be as a result of 1 positive sample (over 40 Cod per hour)
- Closures will last for a fixed period of 21 days, after which the area will automatically re-open
- There will be no set minimum closures in North Sea Zones 1 and 2. Closed areas shall be focussed on the highest ranking LPEU data, delivering the maximum conservation benefit.
- Any closures in Zone 2, inside our Fishery Limits of the North Sea, shall remain at the current size of 7.5 x 7.5
- The West Coast of Scotland shall be treated independently and have a minimum of 1 closure in place at all times
- Other UK administrations and other member states will be advised of closures and vessels encouraged to observer them
- Industry will be encouraged to notify the existance (for information purposes) where they encountered high numbers of undersized cod. Tel: +44 (0)131 271 9700, Fax: +44 (0)131 244 6471 and Email:UKFCC@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
- Information on sample results and closed areas will be published on the Marine Scotland website
- Sampling will be undertaken by Marine Scotland and independent observers
- Marine Scotland Science observers shall seek the permission of the vessel master before any notifications are made
Changes to notification arrangements - from June 2011
As agreed at CCSG on 13 June 2011, Marine Scotland will extend the notification period before an RTC for Cod comes into force. The closure will come into affect the midnight after the day the sample was taken or the LPUE was provided, this will give an additional 24 hours notice to industry and should improve communication of closures. Closures will continue to be for 21 days.
This will not apply to Juvenile Real Time Closures.
Archive of Management Letters on Real Time Closures
- Marine Directorate's letter of 30 August 2007
- Marine Directorate's letter of 24th December 2007
- Cod Spawning Map (issued with letter of 24th December 2007)
- Marine Directorate's letter of 16 May 2008
- Marine Directorate's letter of 08 July 2008
- Marine Directorate's letter of 29 October 2008
- Marine Directorate's letter of 05 January 2009
Additionally, you may find the following links to the fisheries departments of Faroe Islands, Norwayand France useful in keeping up to date with closed areas in their waters.
