He toured a fish processing plant in Aberdeen and talked to fish workers about the effect a ban would have on their livelihoods.

Mr Swinney said EU scientists had gone too far by recommending the ban in the North Sea.

He said: "I think the industry is stunned by the statements that were made by the European Commission.

The SNP leader wants a tough bargaining stance

"A tremendous amount of effort has gone into conservation measures.

"Obviously there is a problem about cod stocks, but it seems to me the proposals the commission has come forward with are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

The EU scientists are also calling for measures to cut haddock, whiting and scampi catches.

Mr Swinney said: "Haddock quotas are nowhere near fully utilised for this year, which indicates that there is no over-fishing going on."

"What is important is that ministers take a very hard bargaining stance for the Scottish fisheries industry which accounts for 70-80% of the UK fisheries.

It now appears that politicians of all parties in Scotland have united behind the fisheries industry

Dr Ian Duncan Scottish Fishermen's Federation

"I want that articulated by the Scottish fisheries minister because that's what people in Scotland were promised."

Asked about the feeling within the industry, Mr Swinney said: "They want to make sure that at all costs we avoid the closure of the fisheries."

Dr Ian Duncan, secretary of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, said: "After a shaky beginning it now appears that politicians of all political parties in Scotland have united behind the fisheries industry and that is very welcome indeed. "

He said it had taken time for the Holyrood and Westminster fisheries ministers to get behind the industry.

He continued: "We are pleased to see at a UK and Scottish level our ministers fighting, and fighting strongly, to support the industry in this country."