…a lady confronts a vandal and hits him over the head with a rolled up sheet of paper, guess whose the criminal?…RBS posts the biggest loss in banking history and thats criminal!…Political correctness is criminal too! Lets get back to basics and recognise & reward - effort, common sense and hard work and together WE can make a difference.

In a recent special feature on threat to world fishing stocks, The Economist says Britain and the rest of Europe could learn from Iceland’s policies, especially the system of individual transferable quotas given to each fishing boat.

The quota is is calculated on the basis of a vessel’s annual catch over a three year period., backed up by information from the Marine Research Institute. The magazine says: “Subject to certain conditions, quotas can be traded among boats. Bycatch must not be discarded. Instead it must be landed and recorded as part of that boat’s quota. If she has exhausted her quota, she must buy one from another boat.”

But a percentage of any unused quota can be carried forward to the following year. The Economist says it is largely countries like Norway and New Zealand where fishing is economically or socially important that enjoy a good reputation for looking after their stocks. In Iceland fishing provides around 12.5 per cent of GDP and employs around seven per cent of the working population. Technology is also a key factor. By looking at special website skippers can see all landings by date and species and then work out whether to sell their catch as frozen or fresh. It adds that the system is not perfect, but it is a lot lot better than anything adoped by the EU.

Reference: FISHupdate

The work is part of a multi million euro European project with 14 collaborating partners from nine different countries, to boost and ensure improved health and production of fish in aquaculture.

The study is called LIFECYCLE and the University of Aberdeen has received £344,000 for their research which will centre on farmed Atlantic salmon.

Professor Chris Secombes and Dr Sam Martin are heading the Aberdeen efforts.Dr Martin, a Lecturer in Fish Physiology within the Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, said: “The aquaculture industry is highly competitive and fundamental biological knowledge is required to improve the quality and sustainability of the industry.

“We will be looking at the hatching stage when the fish are vulnerable to disease. What we want to work out is exactly when the immune system develops as this is completely unknown.”

Professor Secombes, Head of the School of Biological Sciences, added: “Understanding the key stages of fish and their immune systems is absolutely essential for the aquaculture industry – a global and highly competitive sector.

“This may lead to improved vaccine development and performance, with major benefits for the industry.”

Scientists in the different countries will spend four years examining the key life cycle stages of Atlantic salmon and European farmed fish.

reference: FISHupdate

…and it’s the people in it that make the difference.

…head for the Regal website to see the latest additions to our fantastic range of fresh & frozen seafoods, a real treat is in store - take a l@@k!

…seems to be the hardest word! - “we know what to do with the taxpayers money lets pay ourselves a bonus for losing more money than any other bank and at the same time get rid of 2300 staff” - now whats that word that rhymes with banker - ?

…The British Frozen Food Federation figures show that business is growing at an unprecedented rate, with frozen fish leading the way.There are thought to be three main reasons for this growth - “competitive prices, innovative seafood products and the fact there is virtually no waste” and what better place to buy it from than Regal Fish Supplies Limited, where service, quality, value & choice come as standard!

…time flies! Too busy, snowed under - make time for yourself, your loved ones and you just might make time to enjoy it.