Fishing Ruling Holds Out Hope

Don’t crack open the champagne just yet. On the face of it, a ban on fishing bycatch being thrown overboard looks like cause for celebration. It might bring to an end an iniquitous practice, loathed by fishermen and the public alike, which has come to signify all that is wrong with European fisheries policy.

Yet the devil is in the detail. And it is the complex detail of this EU plan – brought to a head by Conservative MEPs – which will determine whether it is for the better or worse.

On first reading, it has much to be recommended.

Rather than penalise fishing crews who are compelled to throw tonnes of bycatch into the sea, the fish will be landed.

This will be followed by the scientific monitoring of the catch to gauge the extent of fish stocks in particular waters.

This may go some way to reconciling the often conflicting claims of fishermen and scientists about the health of those stocks. If they can work to mutual benefit, so that stocks are conserved and fishermen can make a sustainable living, then a significant logjam will have been broken.

Bycatches will then be factored in as part of overall quotas. Most importantly, fishermen will be eligible for compensation so that they do not find themselves financially penalised for taking unwanted fish which count against them.

In tandem with this will come the extended use of CCTV on boats to ensure that the system is not open to abuse.

So far, so good. But as with every important change, no one will be able to say for sure whether the new system will work until it has been in practice – and that could take years.

Yesterday, the general reception among fishermen was a cautious welcome for the new arrangements.

It should be noted, though, that there are also those who believe that the best or only solution is better and more sophisticated netting and equipment.

What no one will dispute is that this matter – which has been a running sore for the fishing industry for so many years – is finally getting the attention it deserves.

For that, the MEPs behind the European Parliament ruling are to be commended. They have forced up the agenda the need to end a grotesque and wasteful practice.

Now, let us hope they have got the details right.

Theatre lifeline

IT WAS the news that no one only a couple of weeks ago could have expected. And it was the news that campaigners for Exeter’s Northcott Theatre could only hope for with fingers crossed.

But yesterday they won: the Arts Council announced it had reversed its threat to withdraw pounds550,000 in funding for 2008/ 09.

There could hardly be a better example of what can be achieved when campaigners galvanise their energies and talents to present a powerful case against cuts to funding.

They highlighted the invaluable role the Northcott plays in the social and cultural life of Exeter. They pointed to its enviable reputation for challenging and innovative productions.

And they drew attention to its wide-ranging and popular appeal in the community – bookings for the recent pantomime of Cinderella were the highest since the theatre opened in 1967. They were also able to call on the support of such stars as Sir Roger Moore and Sir Ian McKellen.

Does this sound like a failing theatre?

In the light of all this, the Arts Council has performed a U- turn over what initially had seemed like a rash decision.

It should be noted, however, that while the Northcott has been reprieved, its long-term future is by no means secure. The funding decision came with the caveat that the theatre’s progress would be under review. Only if all concerned with the theatre can satisfy those who hold the purse-strings will future funding be released.

The threat of the Northcott’s closure has served as a reminder to the people of Exeter of what a valuable asset they have in their midst.

Now it is up to all those who want to safeguard its future to maintain their support.

Let this not be one of those cases in which you do not cherish what you’ve got till its gone.

(c) 2008 Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.