Monday, 27th October 2008
Dogfish should be protected, not deep fried
Commenting on reports in today’s P&J (Monday 27th October) that dogfish might replace cod in the traditional fish supper; Scots Tory MEP Struan Stevenson said he was shocked with such an irresponsible suggestion.
Mr Stevenson, said:
“The report in today’s P&J indicates that exotic species such as dogfish (known as rock salmon) are becoming more common in Scottish waters.
“This is surprising, as it was reported late last year there had been a serious decline of this slender, white-spotted shark and it was placed on the WWF top ten list of critically endangered species facing possible extinction.
“So I find it very hard to believe that numbers have increased so much, in the space of a year, to warrant suggestions that we use it to replace cod in the traditional fish supper.
“Dogfish needs to be protected, not coated in batter and deep fried.
“Whilst I am pleased that the authorities are waking up to the fact that our cod stocks are being put under threat, due to climate change and rising sea temperatures, the solution is not to put other species under threat.
“The only answer is to reverse the ridiculous EU policy on discards so that we stop wasting what our fishermen catch.”
Last year Mr Stevenson launched a campaign to educate Chip shops (throughout the UK) about rock salmon (the common name for dogfish) and to encourage them not to use European dogfish in fish suppers. Mr Stevenson also raised his concerns with the Joe Borg, the Fisheries Commissioner in the European Parliament.
