Scientists have called for a complete ban on cod fishing to prevent the species from extinction, the Times reports today.

The current rescue plan for cod is failing, the official committee of European fisheries experts will tell governments on Friday and stocks are so depleted in seas around the UK that there should be a complete ban on fishing the fish for the whole of 2007.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea will also warn that fishing of other species such as haddock and place will also have to be severely reduced if cod is to be protected.
 
Fears over cod supply have already lead to some supermarkets such as Asda suspending sales and contract caterer Chartlon House removing the fish from its menus.

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By Emily Manson

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