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Tuna scheme should be extended
Western Morning News
20th March 2003
Ministers are considering extending the "dolphin-friendly" accreditation scheme for tuna to other species of fish in a bid to stem the slaughter of hundreds of dolphins in Westcountry waters.
Launching a consultation on the Government's plans for tackling the problem of fishing-related dolphin deaths yesterday, Fisheries Minister Elliot Morley said the success of the accreditation system for tuna had shown that consumer power could be used to achieve environmental gains.
He said the Government would be very interested in proposals to extend the scheme.
"For fishermen having to spend a lot of money on new gear it is not unreasonable that their catch should be labelled in a way that makes consumers aware that the fishing methods used have not endangered dolphins," he said.
RSPCA marine wildlife officer Laila Sadler said: "This could be a fantastic scheme. If people are prepared to pay a few pence more it would reward responsible fishermen and let consumers choose."
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