The Scottish Government are backing a driving licence-style points system in the fishing industry which could see fishermen banned or suspended from sea for consistent rule-breaking.

Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead said he supports the principle of new sanctions drawn up by the European Commission, but further detailed discussions with the industry is needed.

Under the system skippers would be given penalty points for fishing offences from 2011 and could be banned from the sea for between six months and a year aftter four infringements.

The scheme is aimed at reducing over fishing for cod, haddock and hake in specific EU waters. It is part of a wide ranging package of conservation measures including CCTV monitoring on vessels.

Chief Executive of the Bertie Armstrong of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation said: "It's an extension of what is happening in Scotland already for minor offences.

“There is a year to discuss it and the essence of it will be this: There must be a right of appeal. If the fisherman under the new system, which we have been operating here, feels that he has been done over then he must have the right to have his say and have his day in court if necessary."

The announcement comes at a difficult time for the Scottish fleet which is again facing crisis because of quota cuts being proposed by Europe.