Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the proposal for “real time closures” of vulnerable fisheries. The idea is being discussed by fishing industry representatives during a series of meetings today in Fraserburgh with Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead.
Under such a proposal, skippers at sea would themselves sound the alert when they encounter stocks of small cod. Voluntary closure would then apply to protect these stocks which, if caught at present, have to be discarded.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“The SNP has said all along that a new approach is needed to the conservation of our vulnerable fish stocks.
“It therefore is only common sense that we seek to involve and listen to those who know the sea best and who have most to lose if conservation action is not taken in an appropriate manner – the fishermen themselves.
“I am heartened by the early indications of support for the propsal from both fishing industry bodies and conservation bodies alike. Sensible measures to conserve our fish stocks are in everyone’s interest and I am pleased to see progress is being made by the new SNP Government on this.”
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
