Fisheries Research Services (FRS)observes up to 140 trips each year. This includes up to 90 demersal, 26 pelagicand 24 nephrops vessels. Plans for 2008 are being drawn up in line with the EuropeanCommission’s Data Collection Regulation (DCR).In 2007, the Scottish Governmentfunded an observer pilot, which placed independent observers on 10 fishing trips.The Scottish Government will complete a reviewof this pilot by the end of February and will determine, in consultation with anew Conservation Credits steering group which I have set up, the deployment of observersin 2008 which would supplement FRS observations.