Our conclusions
146. We recommend
that the Government implement the Strategy Unit's recommendation
for greater industry involvement in the development and priority-setting
of fisheries science. Whilst relations
between scientists and industry representatives have improved
in recent years, it appears that many fishermen still regard
the scientific advice they receive with distrust. We believe that
this stems, to an extent, from their detachment from the scientific
process. A more inclusive and
co-operative approach to fisheries science would improve relations
between the various stakeholders, improve trust in the system
and contribute towards higher compliance levels with the management
rules. Moreover, we feel a more co-operative approach to the scientific
process would significantly improve the quality and accuracy of
the data gathered. Fishermen have
extensive expertise, and we consider it a waste that their knowledge
has not been fully utilised in the past.
147. Although this is not one of
the more high profile recommendations within the SU report, we
believe it is one of the most important. We look forward to more
collaborative ventures between fishermen and fisheries scientists
in the future, such as the projects recently seen in Kilkeel.
In the shellfish sector, we also hope the Government will look
carefully at the work of the National Lobster Hatchery and ensure
that its future work in developing a sustainable lobster fishery
off the Cornish Coast can be maintained.
146 
