A new £500,000 two-year observer programme to deliver independent verification of ground-breaking fish conservation measures has been announced.

The programme will help minimise discards of cod and other fish stocks.

Making the announcement at the Fishing 2008 conference in Glasgow, Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said the Scottish fishing industry and the fishing communities it sustains are sailing into calmer waters after years of stormy weather. He said the fresh start for fishermen promised by the Scottish Government was starting to bear fruit. "I am proud that Scotland's fishing industry is leading the way in Europe on fish stock conservation," he said. "We are continually pursuing and promoting sustainable fishing.

"That is why I am pleased to announce a new two-year independent observer programme following a successful pilot.

"The new scheme will allow skippers to test new ways of fishing sustainably and get verification that they are helping conserve cod stocks.

"There is a new mood of optimism in Scotland about the future of the fishing industry." Last year's pilot saw 100 days at sea with independent observers and from July this year there will be 500 days at sea.