European Union plans to break illegal blackfish landings by licensing fish traders and processors have received a cool reception from Scottish fishing interests, according to a report by Fis.com.
Processors, who backed a registration scheme while the emphasis was on ensuring quality and hygiene, are now against any moves that will saddle them with responsibility for helping enforce fish quotas implemented by the EU.
A registration scheme intended to clear 'cowboys' out of the trade was welcome; however representatives have made it clear that a scheme which would create bureaucratic tape for the industry is not.
The Scottish Executive last week issued proposals to "strengthen the monitoring and control of fish landed into the United Kingdom".
The measures are intended to make sure fish are "fully accounted for at first sale and capable of verification."
An Executive spokesman added: "They will also enable consumers, as well as those involved in secondary processing or distribution of fish, to ensure that fish and fisheries products have been legitimately caught."
Scottish Fish Merchants Federation chairman George Noble said that the proposals had not been studied in detail but at first glance it looked like "an army of form fillers" would be needed to comply with their requirements.
He added that the Executive was "determined" to make industry do their work for them. But the processors' aims had related to "quality, marketing, and health", and to ensure the future of the sector.
"The Executive seems to be paranoid about so-called blackfish. If this is the case, then surely enforcement officers have been failing in their duties."