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• Real time closures (sampling)

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Real time closures (sampling)

During an inspection at sea a marine enforcement officer (MEO) may sample the cod from the last haul as it’s brought aboard to determine the cod abundance. Where a sample reaches the appropriate trigger level (number of cod per hour of fishing effort), an area may be closed.

Spawning cod measures 1 January to 30 April 2011

Research has identified that spawning aggregations of mature cod (over 50 cm in length) are vulnerable during this period and mortality may be reduced through real time closures (RTCs).

• Trigger level 10 mature cod per hour of fishing effort.

Juvenile cod measures 1 May to 31 December 2011

High cod abundance during this period often results in a high level of juvenile discarding, which must be avoided to aid the recovery of the stock.

• Trigger level 80 cod (all sizes) per hour of fishing effort.

Closure process

1. Where a trigger level is met, a RTC is activated as of 00.01 hrs the following day.
   
   
2. Fishermen can give direct notification if the relevant trigger level is met during a fishing operation in the North Sea or Eastern Channel by contacting the UK Fisheries Call Centre (tel: +44 (0)131 271 9700, fax: +44 (0) 131 244 6471, email UKFCC@scotland.gsi.gov.uk). Wherever possible efforts will be made to undertake sampling in that area following such notification.
   
   
3. RTCs based on live sampling will be effective for 21 days from the start date, after which the area will automatically reopen.
   
   
4. Within 0 to 12 nautical miles from baselines (inshore), RTCs shall only be effective for 14 days from the start date.
   
   
5. Closures will be centred around the mid-point of the fishing operation sampled:
   
   
   • offshore (outside 12 nautical miles) RTCs shall be approximately 64 square nautical miles (usually a 7.5 x 8.5 nautical mile square)
   • inshore (within 0 to 12 nautical miles) RTCs shall be approximately 23 square nautical miles (usually a 6.5 x 3.5 nautical miles square)
6. Each RTC shall be consecutively numbered "MMO RTC 01" onwards. The closure with the highest number will be the most recent.
   
   
7. Fishermen, vessel owners, producer organisations and other stakeholders will be notified via email of RTCs. If you wish to receive RTC notifications please email ops@marinemanagement.org.uk (please state whether you are able to receive electronic charts as attachments).

With regard to all closures within the 12 mile limit, every effort is made to consult local industry representatives about the commercial impact of any new closures before they are introduced.