  
A skate embryo with a developing yolk sac.
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March 26 — Environmental ministers from North Sea states called for less fishing in the region, news sources reported recently.
Current fishing activity in the North Sea threatens to wipe out commercial stocks of mackerel, cod, haddock and herring, as well as critically endangered species like the common skate, officials said.
The announcement followed a two-day ministerial meeting of the European Commission in Bergen, Norway, where officials discussed policies for the protection of the North Sea environment.
"There is no proper match between fish resources and the fishing fleet," Norwegian Environment Minister Boerge Brende told Reuters.
Fleets may have to be reduced by as much as 50 percent, said officials, a measure that may put thousands of fishermen out of work. In addition, certain areas may have to be closed to fishing altogether, officials announced in a report.
Beam trawling is particularly damaging to the North Sea's marine ecosystem, said the report. The practice severely threatens bottom-dwelling species like the common skate, which has "virtually disappeared from the North Sea," according to the report.
"The only effective protection for this critically endangered species is a drastic reduction or complete halt to all kinds of sea-bottom fishing," said the report.
Europe's common fisheries policy is up for a 10-year renewal at the end of this year. The commission would like to see its recommendations adopted in the new policy.
"To go on as before would simply mean natural death to the fishing industry," Armando Astudillo, the head of the European Commission's Environment and Health unit, told Reuters. Astudillo expects strong opposition from the fishing industry, said Reuters.
By Jason Robey
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Name: Common Skate (Raja batis)
Primary Classification: Rajiformes (Skates and Rays) Location: Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Habitat: Mainly coastal sea beds. Diet: Crustaceans, fish, mollusks and worms. Size: Up to 8 ft in length and 220 lbs in weight. Description: Brownish gray on top with dark marbling and light spotting. Light gray underside. Broad, flattened body. Winglike fins. Long snout. Single row of spines along body and tail. Cool Facts: They lay eggs with rows of thorns on either side. They use thorns on their backs and tails to defend themselves. They are closely related to sharks. Conservation Status: Endangered Major Threat: Over-fishing. What Can I Do?: Visit The Shark Trust for information on how you can help. |
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