The Scottish Sea Fisheries National Discussion Paper Outcome Report and Policy Intent Paper have now been published by Marine Scotland.
Last year, extensive engagement was held with a wide range of stakeholders to discuss key principles and matters which would inform the development of a Future Fisheries Management Strategy. Marine Scotland received 120 written responses to the discussion paper, and ran a series of successful events across Scotland in order to properly engage stakeholders in the process.
Due to the uncertainties relating to Brexit and the need for Scottish Government officials to engage fully with those processes, including the UK Fisheries bill and then the COVID-19 pandemic impacting on available resource in Marine Scotland which was diverted to supporting the fishing and seafood industry through the crisis, this timetable was unavoidably delayed.
However, Marine Scotland are now able to announce the publication of the Outcome report and also the Scottish Government’s response.
The Scottish Government’s response also sets out the broad intent and priorities for future policy development. The next step will be to publish a Future Fisheries Management Strategy later this year, informed by the views and information received during last year’s discussions.
Our vision for the Strategy is to establish world leading, sustainable fisheries management in Scotland, with inclusive economic growth at its heart which benefits coastal communities.
Read the Future Fisheries Management Scotland 2019 analysis report
Read the Future Fisheries Management Scottish Government Response