Pelagic fleet encouraged to fish for litter.

The Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG) is the latest organisation to put its weight firmly behind the Fishing for Litter 2008-2011 project, by encouraging its 24 member vessels to sign up.

A funding condition of this popular and fast-expanding scheme asked that measures be taken to include all fishing sectors, and the member bodies of SPSG have unanimously resolved to endorse it.

"The pelagic fleet, which fishes in mid-water, probably collects the least volume of litter of all the sectors, but we understand that the removal of every scrap can help in the bid to make the seas cleaner and safer for wildlife", explained SPSG Director Derek Duthie.

"Our vessels, which make up the majority of the UK pelagic fleet, have already signed up to the Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme, and Fishing for Litter is one of environmental conditions of this. The new scheme will act as an endorsement of good practice and help to bring a greater understanding of the need to take care of one of our greatest natural resources," he added.

Joanna Strathdee KIMO UK Chair stated: We are delighted to have the support of the SPSG and are looking forward to welcoming the pelagic fleet into the scheme.

The Fishing for Litter scheme is sponsored by SNH, The Crown Estate, The Scottish Government, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar/Western Isles Council, Aberdeenshire Council, The Highland Council, Total UK, Peterson SBS, and The Scottish Fishermen's Trust. The project also benefits from the time given to the project by the staff at all the participating harbours.

For more information visit the Fishing For Litter stand at FISHING 09 in Glasgow (Stand D49) or contact; Tom Piper, KIMO UK Co-ordinator, c/o Planning Policy and Environment, Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, AB16 5GB. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: (01224) 664725 Mob: 07789790775