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Scientific Support It has long been recognised that a successful and responsible fisheries policy requires sound scientific advice and data; all stakeholders of such fisheries should ensure sufficient resources and facilities are available to provide a comprehensive foundation in order that the necessary research can be carried out. Such research requires monitoring of the stocks; the condition and size distribution of the fish within the stocks; observations of the marine habitat and wider ecosystem of such stocks, if the fishery is to be managed with a successful policy. This needs to be coupled with the necessary research and assessments concerning the fishing methods undertaken to fish the stock and the levels of effort which are being undertaken. Such information can include biological, oceanographic, meteorological and operational types. Additionally samples may be taken for further analysis in laboratory conditions ashore. The value of such research is of particular importance when factors within the overall framework are likely to change in such a way as to influence the ecological balance of the fishery as a whole. Therefore the Scottish pelagic industry fully supports the view that such scientific study is invaluable to the future sustainability of the pelagic fisheries in which it operates. It will therefore cooperate and assist in the gathering of such scientific information and will undertake to:- • Participate in research and assessment programmes focussing on stock assessment, recruitment and fecundity of pelagic fish stocks. • Participate in research and provide data to assess the levels of effort which are contributing to the exploitation of pelagic fisheries. • Conduct research to assess new fishing gears, and promote new fishing gears and practices which are consistent with sustainable fishing practices. • Assist, initiate and participate in research programmes which support environmental protection. The Scottish pelagic fleet already has a close working relationship with FRS Marine Laboratory Aberdeen on various projects and may undertake further studies through cooperation with government, management and scientific programmes; with international scientific institutes or through their own initiated desire with other co-funding partners. |