On 23 October 2001, UK Minister Margaret Beckett made a commitment at WWF's Oceans Recovery Summit in Edinburgh to protect the Darwin Mounds. The summit launched the Edinburgh Declaration, targeting politicians and marine stakeholders alike to sign up to action to safeguard the seas.
According to latest information, fish landings of target species in the area (VI ) such as Round-nosed grenadier and Orange roughy have doubled. Landings of Orange roughy have increased (2001 latest assessment) from 130 tonnes to 280 tonnes. The Round-nosed grenadier catch has doubled from 433 tonnes to 955 tonnes. Many of the species are landed in North West Scottish ports such as Lochinver. French and Irish deep water trawlers dominate the fishing. The Orange Roughy is also severely threatened by over-exploitation as it does not mature till it is aged 30. The population had already declined by 70% by 1998.
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