Liberal Democrat Fisheries spokesperson Liam McArthur has called for the efforts of Scottish fishermen to be recognised in any new Cod Recovery Plan.

Commenting ahead of the November European Agricultural and Fisheries meeting in Brussels today, Mr McArthur said:

"Scottish fishermen have been working with government, scientists and others over recent years to develop a more sophisticated approach to protecting cod and safeguarding fishing opportunities.

"This approach has begun to pay dividends and it is vital that any new Cod Recovery Plan recognises this fact.

"Commissioner Borg has accepted that more carrot and less stick is needed in future fisheries management. I agree, but now is the time to put that philosophy into action."