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 (RTC) 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.
Implementation of RTCs
RTCs apply to all waters in the Scottish Zone and beyond where Scottish vessels are operating outside the 12 mile limit, with the exception of ICES Area VIa. In the event of a trigger being activated within the 12-mile limit, Marine Scotland will consult the Fisheries Management and Conservation Group. The overall size of each closure is 15nm x 15nm or the equivalent thereof. For vessels operating under the Fully Documented Fishery Scheme(s), the overall size will be 7.5nm x 7.5nm.
Any closures in Zone 2 (the area of Scottish waters south of the 59º line in the North Sea), inside our fishery limits of the North Sea, shall be 7.5nm x 7.5nm. There will be a maximum number of 11 closures (plus three extra in the event of a positive sample) set at any one time. Any closed area will be defined by a maximum of six points and will last for a fixed period of 21 days, after which the area will automatically re‑open. A buffer zone of 15nm will be established around a closure and no other closures will encroach on that buffer zone.
Other UK administrations and Member States will be advised of closures and Marine Scotland expects all vessels to observe all closed areas. For information purposes industry will be encouraged to notify the UK Fisheries Call Centre of the existence of high numbers of undersized cod where they have encountered them (contact details below).
- E‑mail: ukfmc@gov.scot
- Tel: +44 (0)131 271 9700. Fax: +44 (0)131 244 6471
RTCs can be triggered by either a) the results of a physical sample; or b) analysis of landings data:
- The shape and size of any closed area arising from a positive physical sample shall, in the first instance, be agreed between the Marine Scotland boarding officer and the master of the fishing vessel. Where any dispute cannot be resolved, the area shall default to a square. Each positive sample closure will be as a result of one positive sample (over 40 cod per hour). Closures generated by samples will come into effect at midnight on the day after the sample was taken.
- Analytical closures shall be based on the highest ranked areas in relation to cod recorded on vessel log sheets/e-logs and related to time spent fishing as identified by VMS information. This is referred to as Logged Per Unit Effort (LPUE). Analytical closures will come in to effect 24 hours after their notification on the Marine Scotland website. There will be no set minimum closures in North Sea Zones 1 (the area of Scottish waters north of the 59º line in the North Sea) and 2. Closed areas shall be focused on the highest ranking LPUE data, delivering the maximum conservation benefit.
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.
Visit the Marine Management Organisation's website for details of its closed fishing areas.
Archive of Management Letters on Real Time Closures
Additionally, you may find the following links useful for keeping up-to-date with closed areas within the waters of other administrations: