Talks postponed

CRUCIAL talks between the EU and Norway over joint management of fishing stocks have been postponed until Monday.

The talks, which are entering the third round, remain focused on the issue of discards, but as yet no agreement has been met.

Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive Bertie Armstrong was adamant however that the delay was due to the importance of any outcome rather than a misunderstanding.

He said: “These talks are running into round three as agreement has not been reached due to reasons of volume and complexity rather than any falling out.”

The lack of a resolution means those in the Scottish fishing industry are no clearer on their hopes to see a 25 per cent reduction in discards. A decision on TACs is central to this as an increase in the total allowable catch for cod will allow less fish to be wasted.