Research and analysis
Catch Quota Trials: 2012 final report
Final report from the 2012 trials showing discards of stocks have been drastically reduced by North Sea and West Channel fishermen.
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2012’s trials increased the number of vessels and species from 2011.
| Stock | Gear type | Average discard rate for UK vessels in 2011 (%) | Trial discard rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Sea cod | Otter or pair trawl | 18.5 | 0.1 |
| Area VIIe sole | Beam trawl | 5.9 | 0.1 |
| Area VIId and e plaice | Beam trawl | 4.9 | 0.6 |
| Area VII anglerfish | Beam trawl | 11.4 | 0.7 |
| North Sea plaice | Otter trawl | 8.2 | 0.0 |
| Western Hake | Beam trawl | 18.2 | 1.7 |
| Area VII megrim | Beam trawl | 10.6 | 0.6 |
Catches of undersized fish in the trial were also low, suggesting that boats are fishing more selectively.